TOWARD A HEALTHY SELF CONSCIENCE!

 

Monday, February 22, 2021

 

TOWARD A HEALTHY SELF CONSCIENCE!

 

Rom 12:3-4

3 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.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

 

           Paul introduces chapter 12 by urging his readers to first present themselves completely to God. He follows this up with a challenge to cooperate with the transforming power of God which seems to be progressive. It moves from good to better to best.

 

           Then Paul inserts something that many of us need! He warns us to develop and maintain a healthy self-conscience. His message comes by special revelation given to Paul. By grace! It is a warning to everyone! He cautions us to not think too highly of ourselves. Neither should we discount our real value.

 

           Some travel this life trying to please everyone. It simply can not be done! We can’t even please ourselves. We are generally unhappy with our level of education, our hair color or texture, and our body shape. How can we hope to please everyone?

 

           Rather than a comparison with others, Paul recommends that we fine tune our own thinking. We should think SOBERLY. The Greek is sophroneo which means to be in one’s right mind but sophronizo means to have a disciplined way of thinking. Ah, there is the key! It is not what I think but how often I think it. This brings us back to verse two which focuses on a renewing of or a renovation of the mind.

 

           You are useless to some. Some will never “click” with you. You are indispensable to others. They will never let you go nor forget you. Balance those two ends and you will find more peace and humility.

 

           You are very valuable to God!

 

Luke 12:6-7

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings [about two cents], and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

 

Dear Lord, keep me from discounting myself and from pride. Let me not grieve the slurs of some nor hoard the applause of others. Let me be satisfied that you view me as highly prized. AMEN