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.^[1]

Wedged in between two familiar verses we love to quote and verses about gifts in the body is this one verse that seems almost out of place. In the first two verses the Apostle Paul challenges and pleads with his readers to give up their infatuation with the world and all it has to offer, and instead be transformed. In the verses following verse three, the Apostle references the body of Christ and the variety of gifts resident in it that allow it to function effectively. This one verse may seem out of place but really serves as a necessary bridge from one thought to another. The body of Christ is different from the rest of the world, therefore, we refuse to be conformed to it or by it; and, though we have been transformed by the renewal of our minds we must not allow ourselves to be filled with pride. Instead in humility we recognize that we are just another part of God’s body fulfilling our necessary and important function.

It is our faith that enables us to be transformed, but it also our faith that enables to walk in our gifts. But there is a danger here in thinking and believing that we are somehow more important than others because of the function we perform. “To himself, every man is in a sense the most important person in the world, and it always needs much grace to see what other people are, and to keep a sense of moral proportion” (Denney). Everyone has been given a gift and a measure of faith without which the gifts cannot be exercised. Arrogantly, we tend to believe that our gift is more important than others. The Apostle challenges this notion by emphasizing that God is the lone giver of gifts and that we are totally dependent on Him for their effective use.

It is that measure of faith that allows us to walk in our gifting with humility. But that measure of faith needs to be nurtured and strengthened. It is a gift from God but like other gifts must be strengthened through constant exercise. The more we use our faith, the stronger it becomes. It is that same faith that allows us to affirm, rather than deny our gifts, so that we might faithfully use them in the body of Christ. We must be careful we do not over estimate ourselves while at the same time be cautious to not make ourselves small. Our faith enables us to walk in humility considering others better than ourselves.

Dear gracious heavenly Father, we bless Your holy name. You have given us such great blessings we cannot begin to offer the gratitude it all deserves. We thank you for the measure of faith You have given to us and ask that you would cause our faith to grow as we seek to walk more fully in our calling. Keep us from becoming conceited because of the gifts You have given to us. Allow our faith to lead us into greater humility even as we seek to live more fully in the light of His glory. This we ask in the strong name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

^[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ro 12:3.