Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment. ”“ Romans 12:3
Not all Christians are given the same giftings and callings, not all believers are equal. Yet many try to measure others with themselves and try to set standards of how good Christians need to be or rather what they need to be doing. This type of thinking comes from pride and insecurity, it results from the thought that I am doing the best and others need to measure up to my Christian performance. As long as one can find others failing or not seemingly holy in their Christian faith then one can feel righteous because of judging others. Yet this insecurity is a delusion that will blind the eyes of faith to the true condition of the heart. We must look inwardly and soberly at ourselves realizing that we stand or fall before our own master (Romans 14:4). Some are given more grace of the Lord for different virtues in Christian life. Some mercy, some encouragement, some giving, some mercy, and some leading (Romans 12:8). We can think someone imbalanced and lukewarm when they are actually simply exercising their giftings. Only as we all are together as the body of Christ do we really become balanced and help each other where we need it. Thinking highly of ourselves and our opinions results in pride and the lifting up of the heart. When someone is in that condition they are not able to be merciful to others with different giftings then themselves but seek to only gather around them equals or people similar.
The Church does not need prideful leaders but humble leaders. Not those who accuse but those who serve. Not those who bring hurt to others and offend unduly, but those who are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and seek to lay down their lives for others as Christ did. St. Augustine says, "It was pride that changed angels into devils.” What is the result of offering your life as a living sacrifice to God as commanded in the first verse of Romans 12? It is a life of love and humble servitude. Yet pride turns this wonderful laying down of one’s life into a boast, and accusation towards others that do not measure up. Wisdom cries aloud to us saying this is the way of destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Love your neighbour, seek to do good and make an actual difference in the lives of others. Paul the Apostle instead of judging a carnal Church in Corinth, he laboured with them in love as if they were his very children. He bore with them and realized that he was incomplete without them and they were a part of the body of Christ, though failing greatly. The way of the world (Romans 12:2) is judging others and scepticism, the way of the Lord is mercy, grace and hope. God’s will is not accusation but love and service. D.L. Moody said, "I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man.” May it be so that we look inward, see our failings and need of our Lord’s grace and give that grace to others.