DEVOTION – DAY 93

Romans 12:3 “There Is No Need To Be Proud.”

 

Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given me I say to everyone 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.”

 

Donald Trump is an example of someone who has a high opinion of himself and what he can do. He is not alone. Many people think well of their own abilities. They think they are better than many others. We also make that mistake when we criticize others for their failures or lack of action. When we do so, we are actually thinking that we can do better than others. That is why we are critical of their abilities. Isn’t that so?

But this verse reminds us to do some self-reflection. To look at ourselves not as we see ourselves, or even how others see us but how God sees us. God sees us as broken people because of sin. The fact that we naturally have a good opinion of ourselves is the sin of pride in us. The fact that we get angry when things do not go our way is an indication that we have a selfish nature that places our own needs and convenience first. That was why the apostle Paul said in this verse, to think of ourselves with sober judgment. The source of all sober judgment is of course, the Bible. By using the Bible as the benchmark to judge ourselves, we will be able to assess how God sees us. We are in reality sinners in need of a Savior. We are no better than anyone else.

V.3 goes on to remind us that though we are sinners in God’s eyes, the Bible also tells us that those who put their faith and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior have been redeemed. In fact, as redeemed sinners, God has now given us the Holy Spirit that lives in us. The Holy Spirit has opened our spiritual eyes, so that we can understand God’s Word, the Bible. We have been given the same gift of eternal life and share the same hope in the Lord and His promises. We also have been given spiritual gifts to serve the Church. All this and more has been distributed to each one of us by God. When we realize this, we should not allow our pride to elevate ourselves. Instead, let humility guide us whenever we interact with others out of love for the Lord and for one another.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your saving grace given freely to us. Help us to remain humble and to remember that at the foot of the cross, we are all level. Help us to love others as ourselves. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. How do you view others and how do you treat them? How do you normally interact with those whose positions are beneath you like your employees, your servants, the people serving you?
  2. Read Matthew 7:12. In the light of this verse and this devotion, what changes will you make to the way you relate to others especially those that are not as “good” as you are? Discuss.
  3. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What has God done for you?
  4. Will you praise God for all that He has done for you?