DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MEASURE OF FAITH

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE MEASURE OF FAITH

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

It is a common fault among humans to either think more highly of themselves or to think less of themselves than they should. To think too highly of ourselves is pride – thinking that we are better than other people. To think less of ourselves than we should is to discount God's work and purpose for our lives.

Paul's approach is middle of the road. We are all of value because of God's work in us. We are not all the same because God has gifted each of us differently. That is not to imply that one gift is greater or better than another. Paul used the picture of the body (vs. 5). We are all necessary and are dependent on each other.

God has dealt to each of us a measure of faith to be who we are. We are His workmanship, each with different talents and abilities. It is His choice and He knows exactly who we need to be. So we need to be content with His plan for us. That is not to say that we should not strive to be the best that we can. Nor does it give license to live in sin. But it does say that in the end, we are what we are for God's purposes.

This understanding eliminates jealousy of other people's gifts, or discontentment with who we are. Comparing ourselves to other people causes discouragement. That is why the Scripture says that comparing ourselves to other people is not wise (II Corinthians 10:12).

When the Bible says to be content with such things as you have and without covetousness (Hebrews 13:5), it is not just money or things. It is also to be content with how God is working in my life. Whatever gifts God has blessed me with – whether material or spiritual, they are all from God's gracious hand. God knows what is best for me.

Love, Dad