For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3
If we were half the men we think we are, a wise man once said, we would be twice the men we are! That’s quite the condemnation for people who are being constantly told to view ourselves as worthy and deserving individuals. Self-esteem programs abound to make us feel better about ourselves and to encourage us to advance our own cause. Actually, some of us could probably do with a little boost to our self-esteem when it comes to the people we work and function amongst. But when we get a good look at ourselves as God sees us, we must hang our heads in shame. Although He has elevated us to the status of saints in His sight, we are still only sinners who have been saved by grace. And before we start lifting ourselves up before others or even in our own estimation, we need to realize how short we come of God’s standard.
The Gospel is the great leveler, bringing us down to acceptance of our helplessness and hopelessness before God. Pride must be expunged before faith can be exercised. By comparing our pathetic little selves with the greatness of God, we are able to keep from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think.
Consider the godly men and women you know, and take a measure of their humility. For example, those preacher we admire for their ability in the Gospel and in ministry, to be truly effective in their work, must be constantly casting themselves utterly on the Lord for all of that effectiveness. And they will be glad to tell you that. So will the godly brethren who function as the oversight in your Assembly. These men must be constantly crying out to God for wisdom, direction, and compassion if they are to shepherd the Lord’s people effectively. Great problems arise amidst the Lord’s people if any leaders allow pride to be mixed in with their abilities and dedication.
A couple of decades ago, some of the most prominent among the televangelists were humiliated and disgraced for their secret sinful lifestyles. That lesson has not been lost on others who have arisen since, as most televangelists, other than charismatic clowns like Benny Hinn and prosperity gospel fakes like Joel Olsteen, make a conscious effort not to promote themselves too highly. When it comes to spiritual matters, the old adage of the higher you rise, the harder you fall is magnified many times over. We cannot ever give ourselves a position or condition that the Word of God would deny us.
The easiest way to make sure that we don’t think of ourselves too highly is to constantly compare ourselves with the perfect Pattern of humility. If the Lord Jesus hid not His face from shame and spitting, why should we fear those who would insult or sneer at us? If He could wash His disciples feet, why can’t we do humble chores for all of God’s people. You get the message.
Our Saviour was meek and lowly of heart. So must we, in our own minds and before others. -Jim MacIntosh