THINK NOT HIGHLY OF YOURSELF

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto 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.

When Paul begins an exhortation to various bodies of Christians, or if addressing an individual Christian, using the term "For I say," it is by the authority of the apostleship bestowed on him through Jesus Christ. Indeed, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul is teaching through the grace given unto me by God. It is by grace that God speaks through His servant, Paul. When a scripture is given by the authority of God, readers and hearers should heed the lesson it teaches. A good example of this is found in the opening verse of The Revelation given to the apostle John. There we find the message of John was given to him by an angel who received it from Jesus Christ, The Revelation which God gave unto Him. Indeed, the source of all bible teaching comes from God. We should heed and obey His commandments!

There are sins, as described in God's word, that most of us would never commit. The act of murder, taking the life of another, would hardly ever enter our minds. Avoiding this sin is easy for the vast majority of fellow Christians. The sin of replacing God with other gods, or the sin of idolatry, probably fits into this category of sins that Christians would probably never commit. Although it occasionally happens, the sin of stealing that which belongs to another, or the sin of adultery are avoided by most Christians. There are sins, however, that are more prevalent within the family of God; some sins that are all too often committed by Christians.

The Hebrew writer says that the Christian is to run with patience the race that is set before us. We are not to be encumbered with excess baggage that hinders Christian conduct. We are to lay aside every weight that may hinder leading a godly life. As it applies to the subject lesson, Christians are also to lay aside the sin which doth so easily beset us (See Heb. 12:1-2). In other words there are some sins that easily beset us - sins that surround us, attack us from all sides. There are some sins that are constantly before us; that persistently tempt us. One such sin is described in the lesson text - the sin of pride!

In the Book of Proverbs, we find these words of wisdom regarding this sin that easily besets Christians. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud (Prov. 16:18-19). Also, Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him (Prov. 26:12). If heeded, these godly admonitions would be all that is needed to make us aware of, and to avoid, the sin of pride. The prophet, Micah wrote that what is good for all mankind, is to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God (Mic. 6:8). How true this prophecy is to all seeking to honor and obey God's will.

When asked by His disciples, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus replied, Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven (See Matt. 18:1-4). The apostle, James tells us, in a few words, the true reason for Christians to avoid pride and embrace humility in their lives: God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6b). Pride and humility were written about, by the apostle, John, using members of the body of Christ as examples of each. Diotrephes ...loveth to have the preeminence among them (the church). This erring Christianrefused to heed the writings of John, and persecuted those that did. This action John referred to as that which is evil and was wrong in the sight of God. However, Demetrius was just the opposite, which indicates that he exercised humility in his service to God through the church of Christ. John considered him as one that doeth good, had a good report of all men, and humbly served God in a righteous manner (See 3 John 9-12).

To think more highly of oneself than we should, demonstrates a pride that is not acceptable to God. Paul likens one, with this attitude, to a person that is void of the ability to comprehend with a clear mind. He compares such person to one that was drunken - one that cannot think straight, exercise self-control, or demonstrate sound moral judgment. These, Paul admonishes to think soberly. Peter tells us to be sober (and) vigilant, and, unless we do so, we will be devoured by the Christians worse adversary the devil (See 1 Peter 5:8). Peter also says that as we give serious thought to the end of time - to the day of judgment - we should be sober, and watch unto prayer (1 Peter 4:7). Christian, avoid placing confidence in your own righteousness, but place your faith and trust in God's will. It is here that we learn true, godly humility!