Romans 12:3 (NLT)
3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given
me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really
are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the
faith God has given us.
The apostle speaking upon the authority of The Lord warns
Christians they should not think themselves too good to be the slaves of sin
and servant to this world. Instead they should examine themselves by the faith
God has given.
Forgiven souls are humble. They cannot forget that they
owe all they have and hope for to free grace, and this keeps them lowly. They
are brands plucked from the fire--debtors who could not pay for
themselves--captives who must have remained in prison for ever, but for
undeserved mercy--wandering sheep who were ready to perish when the Shepherd
found them; and what right then have they to be proud? I do not deny that there
are proud saints. But this I do say--they are of all God's creatures the most inconsistent,
and of all God's children the most likely to stumble and pierce themselves with
many sorrows. [J. C. Ryle in Foundations of Faith. Christianity Today, Vol. 32,
no. 4.]
We all need to remain humble in our lives and remember
that each of us who have placed their faith in Christ have been given the same
measure of mercy and grace. Each of us has been forgiven by the blood of Jesus
that was shed on the cross.
Proverbs talks about dishonest scales used by merchants
that weigh incorrectly in order to overcharge. Ensure the scales of life you
are using to evaluate your faith are balanced evenly and not skewed by the
views of the world.
Father, let each of us see ourselves as You see us. Let
us understand our faults, our weaknesses in order that we might remain humble.
Let our faith in You stand firm. Let us always be honest in the evaluation of
ourselves. Thank You for the mercy and grace that has been provided. In Jesus
name, Amen.
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