“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3
This verse is part of a set of instructions that Paul passes on how a person is to live within the Christian community. We Christians are closely united because we are all members of the body of Christ. In humility we are to use our God-given spiritual gifts to strengthen one another.
“Grace given” is a confession by Paul of the mercy of God in his life. For Grace is the free, undeserved, and immeasurable gift given to all of us. Paul, the chief of sinners, was given grace as an example for all of us.
“Think of yourself” indicates that a renewed mind begins with thinking soberly about oneself. “Sober judgment” is an interesting description. We have different gifts and callings, but it is God who calls and gives. Sober judgment simply recognizes all gifts are from God’s grace.
The phrase “faith God has distributed to each of you” recognizes that faith receives gifts of grace from God’s hand. This realization counters the human tendency to be puffed up about one’s gifts.
God graciously bestows various gifts to be used for the benefit of others. Our abilities can cause us to think of ourselves too highly. Paul urges Christians to avoid that temptation while exhorting us to use God’s gifts to serve others. These gifts are not the result of intense prayer or spirituality. Instead, God simply gives everyone certain gifts, so each person can strengthen the church.
God’s blessings on your day…