…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 (Romans 12:3).
In this letter to the Church in Rome, Paul speaks of two ways of thinking. First, he urges us…Not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to. Then he asks us… to think soberly. Whereas, he encourages the latter …to think soberly, he discourages the former, saying …Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to.
You see, God does not want us to become conceited, that is to have an exaggerated opinion of ourselves.
“Thinking of ourselves more highly than he ought to” gives us a feeling superiority towards others and easily leads us to lose contact with reality. However, Paul encourages us… to think soberly. The word “soberly” is derived from the Greek word Sophroneo, which denotes to put a moderate estimate upon one’s self, thinking of oneself soberly or devoid of exaggeration.
God wants us to think of ourselves exactly or precisely as he thinks of us.
You see, what you think about, you will believe; and what you believe, you will say; what you say, you will have. If you think right, it will show in your belief system (because you will believe right).
The word has been given to us to straighten our thinking …bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (1 Corinthians 10). Hupakoe is the Greek word translated into obedience. It also means submission, compliance.
Compliance is the act or process of doing what you have been asked or ordered to do.
We are able to think soberly as we begin to study and meditate on the word of God. To meditate means to ponder and mutter.
You see, God wants us to think highly of ourselves, He wants us to see ourselves the way he sees us. Hold same view of ourselves as he does, be on same page with him, and have a good self-image — regardless of the self-image we had before the new birth, be it low self-image or high self-image.
His word, which is called the perfect law of liberty (or perfect law that gives freedom) {James 1:24}, is able rid us of such esteems and give us the right kind of self-esteem.
What does God think of us?
…as Christ ambassadors, …the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, …more than conquerors, …heirs of God and Joint heirs with Jesus Christ, … a chosen generation – a royal priest hood – created in Christ Jesus- to show forth his praises, …the ones who have been given all that is needed for life and godliness, …the righteousness of God, a people no longer under condemnation.
A people whose prayers God pays attention to and whose prayers are powerful and effective. A people who have his power of attorney and are commissioned to do business here on earth, …as sons of God, possessors of his life (Zoe), his faith (pistis) and his love (agape).
You see, “His life in us is indestructible. His love in us is only cognizance of success, for it never fails”. He faith in us knows no limits, because it only understands possibilities.
When we don’t view ourselves the as God views us. We short-circuit him in our lives. But, when we have same viewpoint as God, get on same page with Him and practise his words, his power prevails in our life.
The Kingdom of God operates on principles: “Sumphonesis”, meaning harmony, concord or agreement is a core principle. The prophet Amos asked,“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
When we agree with God, think of ourselves the way he thinks of us, He will show up in everything that concerns us, and we will come out with a Testimony. Hallelujah !!!
Until next week, remember, humbly receive the engrafted word — It is able to save you!!!
By Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe
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