To every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly.
Romans 12:3
What was I thinking? May be a question we all should ask ourselves every once in a while. Especially when we start to think that we are better than our friend, co-workers, and family. How do you define high mindedness. Is it not a person who has elevated themselves above another person. Are they not proud, overconfident, and arrogant? Many pretend to be high minded above others just to look the part of being modern and current in what they are doing. It is all about posturing ourselves in the world we live in today. The ideal that one person is more moral than the other in Christianity is not a true representation of the Gospel of Christ. In fact, no one person is perfect except for Jesus Christ. To be more moral, righteous, or honorable is an imaginary position because it is something we try to achieve in our own strength, and many times we have fallen in trying to maintain morality and righteousness. This is why we have laws in order that we may have a peaceable life. We also forget that God gave gifts and talents to man or individuals that differ from one another. It is what we do with those gifts that is important.
We each strive to achieve something in that we may receive recognition for a service, or ability. This is good when we are learning and growing in a particular field of study. We should encourage and appreciate each other in whatever God has called us to do. However, we should never overlord it over others. The pitfalls of thinking yourself above others can lead to pride and arrogance. Listen to the words of Jesus.
Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Luke 16:15
Wow! That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. What are the abominations but a lying tongue, shedding innocent blood, wicked imaginations, a false witness and spreading discord, [see Proverbs 6:16-19]. In the scripture verse of Luke 16:15, Jesus was talking about the Pharisees who were not only covetous but boasted about their position as a religious leader. The Pharisees were legalistic and placed demands among the people that were burdensome. Boasting what they have, and can-do causes strive among others. Covetous is having or showing a great desire to possess what someone else has. Any kind of boosting is just plain showing off. Showing off is to seek or attract attention. Beware of boasting even what you will do tomorrow, for we do not know what tomorrow will bring.
Now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore, to him that knows to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
James 4:16-17
Whatever gifts we have we present it to God and use it for His glory and not our own. We should not covet the gifts that God has given someone else. These gifts are to be used for the glory of God. These gifts are to be used with love in our hearts. What did the apostle Paul tell the Romans about love and service to each other.
Let love be without dissimulation/hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cling to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:9-10
Let us not be dishonest about ourselves in pretending to be something we are not. Let us cling to what is good and what God has revealed in His word in order that our faith may grow. Let us prefer one another with brotherly love and not with selfish acts of greediness. Let us not be slothful in how we do business but to do it in serving our Lord and each other knowing that every day is a new day in the Lord. Knowing that we all fall short of the Glory of God. Therefore, we must diligently pray every day to be delivered from all evil and ask God to keep us from doing evil ourselves. We are human beings who at times get irritated, angry, and even violent at times. We take this to the Lord and ask forgiveness and we also ask those we lashed upon for forgiveness. Paul goes so far in stating that we are to “bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not,” [see Romans 12:14]. Can we do this? This may be the hardest thing to do, for it goes against the very grain of our being. Yet, through the Spirit of Christ we relent and give it to God and allow His Spirit to help us to change into the image of Christ where love reigns.
We are to repay no man evil for evil, but to provide things honest in the sight of all men [see Romans 12:17]. Let us overcome evil by doing good. Let us humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and resist all forms of evil. We begin with our mouth by not speaking evil of anyone or boasting about ourselves. Let us not do anything through strife or self-conceit.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Philippians 2:3
We should esteem each other better than ourselves. Lord, teach us to have the love of Christ within our hearts that we may esteem others. Let us have the peace of God, which passed all understanding, and it shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, [see Philippians 4:7]. Let us remember thy love never fails but continues throughout all eternity. How great that love and forgiveness is, lest we forget about it. His Love for us is better than our present human condition.
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”
2 Corinthians 3:5
To think anything as of ourselves as having attained it or to whatever we strive to be, we should think twice about it. Is God our sufficiency? What is the character of our being if we say we are adequate within our own selves? Are we content with the sufficiency of God? I pray that we become content with the sufficiency of God and what we have. Paul tells the Philippians to let their moderation be known unto all men [Philippians 4:5]. Not only does Paul mention moderation, but not to be anxious for nothing, but let your request be made known unto God, [Philippians 4:6]. We must ask and receive so that our sufficiency is from God. This will give us the reason to boast in the Lord when He has revealed to us that He is sufficient for all our needs. We can give thanks to the Lord for a good report. Let us all think and live soberly and simply in the name of the Lord.
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