Humble Service

In introducing the various gifts in the Body of Christ (see Romans 12:4-8), Paul exhorted his readers not to be haughty/not to think too highly of themselves. All gifts (including faith) and abilities are from God. We are to use these gifts to serve God (by serving others) with humility and for God's glory. These gifts are not for us to show off or to compare or compete with other people's gifts or to elevate ourselves with. It's important to heed Paul's advice because spiritual giftedness can lead to spiritual haughtiness. Besides, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). We see this in Haman who definitely thought of himself more highly than he ought. 

Neither overvaluing ourselves nor undervaluing ourselves is healthy. Knowing who we are in Christ and Whom we belong to gives us the right perspective. With sober judgment (without exaggeration), we find our value, worth, and identity in Christ. We're sinners saved by God's grace and are made into saints by Christ's righteousness. We become royal children of God by adoption and make up one body in Christ, who is the Head. One part of the body is neither better nor more important than other parts. We don't all have the same function/role. We need one another. Everyone in the Body of Christ must be humble and teachable.

By God's grace given to Paul, he was chosen to be an apostle. Paul mentioned about God's grace again three verses later, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." (Romans 12:6a) It's only by God's grace; we have no basis/reason to have a superior mindset whatsoever. The proper attitude should be gratitude and humility expressed in J.O.Y. (Jesus first, Others next, and Yourself last). "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:3-5)

"Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all." (William Temple)

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for Your inexhaustible grace and for all Your blessings! Please show me ways I can use my gifts to serve You and others. Please help me always be humble and teachable. Please enable me to daily put Jesus first above all else and put others above myself. May all I say and do bring You honor and glory! In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.