ROMANS 12:3

“For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”

I have never been guilty of thinking too highly of myself. Don’t get me wrong. I have been confident enough, but I don’t think you could call me overconfident. I know there are always others out there more talented and more articulate than I am. I am thankful for the gifts God has given me and want to use them to honor Him, not myself. That is exactly what Paul is talking about in verse 3 of Romans 12.

Paul compares two different ways of thinking of ourselves in this verse. We can think “more highly” of ourselves, or we can have “sound judgment.” The Christian Standard Bible says of that second one, to “think sensibly.” Are you high-minded or sensibly minded? Paul seems to be putting himself in this question as well, as an example of using sounding judgment rather than thinking highly of himself. He knew all he was came through the grace that have been given him.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated as “think more highly” is huperphroneó, which only occurs only here. It could also be translated as being arrogant or conceited. Some people can get that way when God gives them opportunities to serve Him. They start listening to all the accolades from others. Oh brother, that was a fine sermon. Our church is so blessed to have you as Pastor. Compliments are nice, but when we start believing them about ourselves, we risk the danger of falling into high-mindedness.

In contrast, “sound judgment” means to be sensible and sober minded. It is the Greek word sóphroneó. Now, this is a neat word. HELPS Word-studies says, “[The whole word-family (root, sōphro-) comes from two words: sōos (‘safe’) and phrēn (‘what regulates life,’ the root of the English term, ‘diaphram’). Example: An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm, which even controls our ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. This regulates (‘brings safety’) to the body, keeping it properly controlled.]” What a great picture for us. We have to moderate our thinking about ourselves.

And the last phrase of today’s verse really drives the point home. Paul writes, “as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Everything we have is a gift from God. He measures it out to us. Therefore, we can’t gloat about anything. God gave it. So, the next time you start to get a little high-minded, remember that all you are is because of Him.

I am thankful, Lord, for all You have given me. I will give You praise for it all.

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