“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3, NKJV)
This is a powerful statement made by the Apostle Paul. He admonishes and warns every Christian that we are not to think of ourselves “more highly than we ought to think, but to think soberly.” What a timely statement for each of us to adhere to.
Notice first, Paul does not tell us not to think highly of ourselves. No. Each one of us should think “well” of ourselves. Regardless of past mistakes or present failures, each one of us should still think ourselves worthy of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. Our worthiness does not stem from any of our actions but from the act of love of Jesus dying for our sins. Jesus considered us worthy of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness and therefore He gave His life that we might inherit all the blessings of God. Therefore, think of yourself as worthy.
Yet, Paul does tell us that we are not to think of ourselves “more highly than we ought to think, but think soberly . . .” We should all think of ourselves as worthy to receive God’s love, but we should not think that we are any more important than anyone else. We are to think soberly, which means intelligently. Paul goes on in the proceeding verses to explain that we are all “one body in Christ” and therefore, needing each other. There is no one any more important than anyone else. We all are in need of and the beneficiaries of God’s love, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Therefore, we must think of ourselves as equal to others.
Let us make sure we are thinking soberly. Let us think well of ourselves, as well as others. Many people will think various things about you, good and bad. Yet, what they think about you is insignificant compared to WHAT YOU THINK OF YOURSELF.