The Estimation of Our Personal Worth

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.

Romans 12:3

God has made us all different. We all have our characteristics and personalities. Salvation gives us a new nature, but the old is still within us: and until the Lord Jesus comes, we live in hope of the glory that GOD will reveal in us. How then are we live this life, saved from sin, for the glory of GOD? Paul begins by admonishing the Roman Christians, to be sober in thinking about themselves and who they are. The Romans are by nature, prideful people, and hence being saved from their past life, Paul had to admonish them to be humble and think of their position from the point of faith and not the flesh.

They are not to think of themselves more highly than they ought to think. The word more highly implies one who is proud, and esteems himself over others. Is it not true that we oftentimes pride ourselves on who we are and what we can do? Yet, the bible here clearly teaches that we are NOT to esteem ourselves higher than who we are. How do we do that?

We need to think of ourselves from GOD’s perspective: we are sinners saved by the grace of GOD.

Paul sets the example of humility when he calls himself not worthy to be sent messenger of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:9, “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle…” When we realise that we are sinners to begin with, then who are to boast of who we are? We are sinners, yet saved by the blood of Christ. That is who we are: saved, sinners who were once condemned.

We need to realise it was GOD who provides the ingredients for spiritual growth in the grace of Christ.

“To think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Who we are is the result of what GOD gives us. Our growth in spiritual stature is the result of GOD’s dealing in our lives. As we allow the Lord’s working in our lives, our personal Comforter makes us more and more like Christ. God has to lead us, God has to guide us, and GOD has to change us. In us dwelleth no good thing. There is nothing good that GOD can use in us: He it is that will make us to become fishers of man (Matt 4:19).

Paul estimates that it was by GOD’s grace, he is what he is. There is no growth without Christ, and His precious work in us, for without Him we can do nothing.

Lord, grant that Thy servant will always be a servant of yours, always humble in heart, always mindful of where I came from, always remembering that without You, I can do nothing, I will achieve nothing, and I will be nothing. For You are my ALL in all.