"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:3-13 (NIV)
Paul is encouraging the Christians in Rome to be humble and not to be jealous of one another. According to Thomas Nelson, "the righteousness of God will cause a believer to conduct himself in humility in the local church." God did not bless them all with the same gifts. He gave them different gifts according to His grace. Each believer was to exercise his own gift and not worry about the gifts of others. They were to recognize and respect their differences, as each was a part of God's sovereign plan. They were also to sincerely love one another.
We should assess ourselves realistically. God has blessed each of us with differing measures of faith and with different gifts. We should concentrate on, and use our energies to, exercise the gifts that God has given us. We are not to be conceited because of our gift, and we are not to envy the gifts of others. We are to use our gifts to the glory of God. "Put your life into service for God whether or not you receive personal gain and applause." F. J. Dake
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