“Do Not Think of Yourself More Highly Than You Ought” – By Babatunde Olugboji
Confident in his role as an apostle, Paul had a message for the believers in Rome: “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).
Unlike many of the other apostles, Paul had every reason to feel superior within the church. He was a Pharisee, born into a family of Pharisees (Acts 23:6), a Roman Jew who grew up and was educated in Jerusalem. He received rigorous training in Jewish laws and customs under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), a highly esteemed Pharisee, council member, and law teacher. However, Paul recognized that his standing before God was solely a result of the Lord’s grace and mercy, not his lineage, background, or any personal achievements.
In Romans 12:3–8, Paul’s teachings indicate that some members of the Roman church may have had an inflated view of themselves. They might have seen themselves as superior or more privileged than they truly were. Perhaps they possessed the gifts of prophecy or teaching (Romans 12: 6–8) and believed that these gifts elevated their status. Therefore, Paul encouraged the Romans to “think of yourself with sober judgment,” which means to honestly and wisely assess oneself in light of God’s perspective.
Taking a moment to reflect on all that God has done for you can really help keep your ego in check. Just look at Paul—he was filled with humble gratitude for the mercy God showed him by trusting him to be a servant of Christ. He even called himself the worst of sinners, saying, “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man. . . . The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. . . . I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:12–17).
None of us truly deserve the grace and mercy that God has showered upon us through Jesus Christ. We’re all on the same level here. Genuine Christian humility means steering clear of self-importance. Jesus taught us, “Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant” (Luke 22:26). We should strive to embody the same mindset as Jesus, who, despite being God, set aside His divine privileges to take on the humble role of a servant, even to the point of dying on a cross like a criminal (Philippians 2:5–8).
Paul also reminds the Romans that it’s God who bestows spiritual gifts within the body of Christ—gifts that are purely a result of His grace. Each member of the church has a unique role to play, “and we all belong to each other” (Romans 12:5). Instead of thinking too highly of ourselves, Paul encourages us to “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited” (Romans 12:16; Ephephians 4:2).
Paul understood the importance of humility when it came to his gifts: “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace” (1 Corinthians 15:10). He made sure all the glory went to God.
God’s immense mercy encourages us to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). We shouldn’t put ourselves on a spiritual pedestal or think too highly of ourselves. Our gifts are meant to uplift one another and strengthen our community. Peter reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). God often chooses to work through humble servants who see themselves as nothing (1 Corinthians 1:28) and who embrace humility (Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 5:5). He promises to lift up and honor those who humble themselves before Him (1 Peter 5:6)
Have a good week.
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