Reflection:
Today we are reading the Bible with Eliot Kern, a content producer for Eternity, who joined the Bible Society in 2022 as an intern while completing his studies in philosophy and classical languages.
For further reading: Romans 12
How should we respond to the abundant mercy of God in Jesus?
In view of this mercy, we are to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1); to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, not conforming to worldly patterns (Romans 12:2).
First, Paul warns of a particularly destructive pattern: pride. We should not think of ourselves more highly than is right, but ‘soberly’ (Romans 12:3).
But if you’re anything like me, pride comes naturally.
So what enables this realistic self-assessment? Acknowledgment that we are members of the body of Christ, with differing functions, each belonging to all the others. Certainly, we are no less! (cf. 1 Cor 12:21-27) But Paul’s point here is that we are no more. Rather than prompting comparison or pride, this profound unity in diversity enables us to think soberly of ourselves.
Remarkably, Paul writes to a collection of house churches, whom he has never met, “We, though many, form one body.” Paul’s humbling message is that each of us has the same status — every Christian in Rome, Paul himself, the least ‘presentable’ member of your church, you and I. Precisely when I start to puff myself up, even quietly in my own heart, then I particularly need to hear that I am a member of the body of Christ.
The solution to pride is not to pretend we are not gifted; it is to acknowledge exactly what our status before God, our participation in his community and our individual abilities are: gifts, given to us by grace (Romans 12:6).
Prayer: Drawing from Eph 2:4, our passage and Romans 15:5-6.
Father, you are rich in mercy; yet I confess that I tend towards pride, thinking more highly of myself than is right. Humble me in the knowledge that every Christian is a member of the body of Christ. Renew my mind, giving me the same attitude of mind toward my brothers and sisters that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice we may glorify you for your grace towards us. Amen.