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I suggested a regular dose of Romans 12 would benefit us. In just 21 verses, we’re given a full course on Christian living. The message is clear and direct; the writer doesn’t mince words, as evidenced by v. 3 from Romans 12:3-8: “By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has given you.”
One translation says, “Do not think you are better than you are.” Ouch!
It appears that Paul might suspect some of his readers had over-inflated egos. Maybe they put too much emphasis on their position or image or deeds or how many likes they had on Facetablet or Instaparchment. His warning is to not get caught up reading our own resume or comparing ourselves to others. Paul could say this because if bragging was beneficial, no one in his time could come close to his qualifications.
Phil. 3:4-7 “If anyone thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh (boast or brag), I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.”
The only way I can flaunt my accomplishments is to compare myself to someone of less accomplishments. Would I brag if I thought I was inferior to someone else? Of course not!
Suppose I love basketball (I don’t) and enjoy playing with guys my age (I don’t). And suppose I’m good enough (I’m not) to be the best player (not possible) each time. And suppose I brag (I might) about my skills. And suppose Lebron James shows up and challenges me to a game of 1-on-1. Here’s my point: Paul is Lebron James and I’m…….me. That is thinking with sober judgment! So, I return to reality with Paul’s message: “We have different gifts, each according to the grace (measure of faith) given us.”
I’ll close with 2 points from this passage:
- Different gifts don’t mean different levels of importance; they’re just different. Each gift has a unique place and a specific responsibility in the Kingdom of God.
- Whatever gift we’re given, we’re to use it. If it’s speaking God’s word, do it. If it’s serving, do it. If it’s teaching, do it. If it’s encouraging, do it. If it’s giving, do it. If it’s leading, do it. If it’s showing mercy, do it. W. Clement Stone built a billion-dollar empire on the phrase, “Do it now!” NIKE, 60 years later, coined the phrase, “Just do it!” I’d like to think both phrases had their foundations in Paul’s message.
Our talents, our gifts and our places to use them are given to us by God. We are richly blessed and we are greatly loved!
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (9/28/2026)
