HAVING A PROPER VIEW OF ONESELF

HAVING A PROPER VIEW OF ONESELF

This is Chuck Rapp with a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

Romans 12:2-3 reminds us that we are “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be

transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

In JB Phillips’ translation of verse 3, he says, “As your spiritual teacher I give this piece of advice to each one of you. Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities …”

Over the years I observed that the “pattern of this world” (vs 2) is that people tend to

gravitate toward one of two extremes when it comes to their self-image. Some see

themselves as totally inadequate and falling short. They do not feel capable to do very much for themselves or for Christ’s Kingdom. They fail to realize that “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13).

On the other hand, some people tend toward I call “legends in their own minds”. They think more highly of themselves than they ought (and frequently more highly than they really are!).

With such an inflated attitude, they are likely to be overly confident in themselves and not as dependent as they should be upon the Lord. Such people forfeit the Holy Spirit’s assistance in their lives, and they frequently leave a negative impression upon others.

As VCP leaders, I encourage you to “have a sane estimate of your capabilities”. Know your personal strengths and weaknesses, and give both to the Lord. Thank Him for the strengths and abilities He has given to you and offer them up to Him to use as He sees fit.

Be also willing to acknowledge your weaknesses that you may especially depend upon the Lord in those areas. Paul, the Apostle, said in 2 Corinthians 12:10 “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.