The Holy Spirit says a man ought “not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think soberly” (Rom. 12:3). Surely, that is true, and we must adhere to this admonition of the Lord. However, there is this implication: While a man ought not to think too highly of himself, he should think of himself as highly as God allows. Let me explain.
You are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26, 27). You are not an animal. You are a moral creature of responsibility and accountability before God. As such, you must think more highly of yourself than to live as an animal who is governed by lust and instinct. If you do not think this highly of yourself, you will degrade and defile yourself by living as a “natural brute beast” (Eph. 4:17-19; 2 Pet. 2:12-14).
If you are a child of God, you are indeed special (1 Pet. 2:5-10)! “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God” (1 Jn. 3:1). The Philippians were Paul’s “joy and crown” (Phil. 4:1). Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth,” and, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13, 14).
No, do not think more highly of yourself than you ought to think! But neither should you think less highly of yourself than you ought to think. You are of value and worth before God. Knowing that, serve Him in humility with meekness and godly fear.
—Larry Ray Hafley, biblework.com
