In Romans, Chapter 12, the Apostle Paul says that believers should not be conformed to this world but that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Paul concludes that if we set aside our personal pride and honestly evaluate our gifts, this transformation will lead to great productivity in our service for Christ. In the New Living Translation Paul says: Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans 12:3 NLT)
The Message by Eugene Peterson paraphrases the same verse this way: I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. (Romans 12:3 The Message)
If we set aside our pride and get honest before the Lord, we can truly dedicate our lives to God and bring glory to His name.
Jim Roberts, Peace Church, Indiahoma, OK
http://www.ok-peacechurch.org
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