For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
~ Romans 12:3
What are you tempted to boast in at camp?
What do you hope people will notice about you?
Is it musical gifts, athletic ability, cooking skill, efficiency and willingness to unclog the most wretched of toilets?
Paul’s words at the top of this page are for all of us, because we all have something we think we are good at. When we have the opportunity to use these gifts, Paul warns us not to think too highly of ourselves but rather to think sensibly—that is realistically and soberly.
The gifts you use at camp have been given to you by God, so how can you boast about them? Should you be bragging about yourself if God has called you to do something?
As you rate your gifts and calling you must do so with sober judgment—with sensible or reasonable evaluation. Don’t be haughty or prideful. Don’t be arrogant when God gives you an opportunity to perform your gifts. Such an attitude may someday cause God to disqualify you from his service (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Remember also that God has dealt to each one of us a measure of faith. Without the discipline of humility your service to others becomes nothing more than a means to puff yourself up for your own glory. To think so highly of yourself that you believe you are the only one God can use is a dangerous thought to have. God has chosen to use you for a short period of time.
As you live sacrificially for Christ this summer, you do so not with your own gifts and talents but with those that have been given to you by a sovereign God. Rejoice that you can be used, but don’t take yourself too seriously.
Make sure you serve just as hard when no one is looking as when there’s a crowd.
Thinking humbly about yourself is good because it’s realistic and also because it exalts God. Anything good that happens this summer is because of God.
He should get the glory for it.
