Romans 12:3 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.
Some scriptural instructions bear a lot of weight to the human mind and sound high, while some sound so simple and even unintelligent. The instruction to think of ourselves soberly is one of such instructions that sound uninspiring and unintelligent.
The untransformed human mind cannot grasp this idea because it runs counter to popular culture and societal norms. Human beings are glory junkies. We are all addicted to our vanity and hooked on other people’s approval.
Modern psychology calls it self-love. ‘Every man needs a level of self-love’ they tell us. They say it is ‘healthy’ for our ego and fuels our living.
This explains why we are always talking about ourselves. It also explains why we are always so eager to defend ourselves and to shut down every voice that disagrees with us. It is why we often think everyone is wrong but you and me.
But the instruction the Lord gives us is directly opposite to this kind of life. Why the world calls us to an inflated estimation of our lives, the Lord calls us to a sober estimation of our lives.
What does this really mean?
Thinking of yourself soberly does not suggest looking down on yourself. No, please! Such a way of thinking will be contrary to the teachings of scripture. We’ve been bought with a price and must not look down on ourselves.
Notice! The instruction isn’t that we should NOT think of ourselves HIGHLY or that we should think of ourselves LOWLY. Rather, it is a call for us NOT to think of ourselves MORE HIGHLY THAN WE ARE SUPPOSED TO.
Read that again.
The idea is that no one should have an exaggerated opinion or estimation of themselves. The instruction is not to see yourself beyond who you really are.
The word sober in the above scripture is from a Greek word that translates as ‘to be of sound mind’. It means having a clear mind and sound judgment of a matter.
The call to sober thinking is therefore a call to consider yourself in light of the measure of faith and grace you have received from the Lord. Sober thinking means seeing yourself as God sees you. It means agreeing with what God says about you.
For example, if God has given you the ability to lead better than others, you don’t have to claim you lack the ability to lead for the sake of sober thinking. If you are richer than others, do not claim to be poorer. If you are naturally more beautiful, you don’t have to say you’re ugly to show how sober you think yourself. If you understand mathematics and sciences more than the average person, you do not have to claim the opposite.
The idea is that no matter what you are or have, you do not see yourself outside the lens of God’s word.
For example, in Numbers 12:3, the Bible says that Moses was the meekest man on earth. Although it was God who said it, it was Moses who wrote it. If I wrote that I was the meekest man on earth, I would probably be called proud for such an assertion. But it does not make it a lie. As long as it is true, calling it untrue makes you a liar.
Seeing the bigger picture
Science tells us that digestion starts in the mouth. The teeth, tongue, saliva, intestines, stomach acids and other parts of the body all play a role in helping us digest the food we eat.
If the tongue is unaware of the presence of these other parts, it will probably think it is the only reason why our food digests. If the intestines do not know there is something like the mouth, it will probably feel it is the most important part of the body.
Therefore, seeing your gifting in the light of the body of Christ helps you see yourself properly. Many people have an overblown view of themselves because they have not seen the bigger picture.
Paul explains this beautifully in Romans 12:3-8 (I encourage you to study it properly).
Seeing yourself as part of a body with several parts helps you see the bigger picture and also helps you make an accurate self-assessment of yourself. It helps you remember that you are not more important or special than anyone else. It keeps your feet firmly planted, helping you to see the bigger picture. Every natural endowment or spiritual gift you have is relevant because of others and is just for the purpose of serving others.
The eye is not more important than the ear, as the tongue is not of more value than the teeth. The little hairs inside the nose are no less important than the hair on the head.
The pinky finger is not less important than the thumb; therefore, the pinky finger should not be ashamed of being a pinky, while the thumb should not glory in being a thumb. Each part has its use and should be satisfied in the role the Lord has given it.
Every man needs another. Remembering this helps you to place the right estimate on yourself.
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought; think soberly about yourself.
