Think Of Yourself With Sober Judgment

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. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:3-13

If we do not require equality of the members of our own body, why is it that we sometimes expect it of people in the church? That seems to be an issue that the first-century church as Rome faced. Some were thinking more highly of themselves that they ought just because they were doing some things others were not doing. Paul reminds us that we do not all have the same functions, nor do we all have the same talents.

So, let’s not look over our shoulders to see what others are doing or not doing. Look at how God may be able to use you in his kingdom today. He has gifted you just as He has pleased.

We can’t all play the same part in God’s band of service, but we should all play in harmony.

Our Daily Bread – February 17, 2013