Read Romans 12:3-8.
God has gifted each of His children with specific gifts that enable the body of Christ to work together as one. In the passage today, Paul relates those gifts with a certain attitude: not to think of oneself more highly than they ought.
To Consider
Why would there be a need for a command to guard against this attitude? How does knowing that your gifts are given “according to the grace given us” (v. 6) affect your attitude (i.e. what is “grace” and how does that enable us to have “sober judgment” (v. 3))?
The kind of attitude addressed in this passage comes when comparisons of gifts are made, and different values are placed on different gifts. Paul makes it clear that we are not to make comparisons with one another but rather focus on using our gifts as best as we possibly can. If we are concentrating on using our gifts for their intended purposes (i.e. building up others), then there is no time to be self-serving, and there is no room for comparison.
To Consider
It is difficult to focus on the use of one’s gifts if you don’t know what your gifts are. Take a few minutes right now and jot down some areas you feel you minister to others well in. Then consider how you might use those abilities in a ministry to others on a regular basis.