Romans 12:3 

Gifts of Grace

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

How long does an assignment last?

Some last for a lifetime, some last for a season, some of us have been asked to handle more than one assignment at a time.

I often return to reread Romans 12:3 as a reminder of how easy it is for the flesh to glory in God’s work. Success breeds confidence, confidence can fuel pride if we are not careful. This is one reason I return to this passage so often.

God has blessed me mightily and with decades of blessings there is danger in thinking the abundance of blessings is because we are special. As I shared these thoughts with a wise counselor once he said; “Nor does God want you to think less of yourself than you ought.”

Perhaps that is where sober judgment comes into play, not to get high on success.

In an effort to honor the gift given by grace it is once again time to reflect on my assignments and take note of the progress made. Two assignments have been made clear and they both are long term with no indication at this time that they will end soon or that any additional assignment has been added.

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

It is not my responsibility to place a burden on anyone, to ask anything of you that is not within the boundaries of my assignment. What I do and how I do it is my burden to bear. While some might be in the same situation as I am, God is the author of your faith and the answer to what is expected of you.

My first assignment to present the gospel.

Galatians 6:9-10

So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

In this season of social media, receiving likes, gaining followers and getting reposted under someone else’s page appears as approval of mankind. What God approves should be our standard of goodness.

I am often reminded of one scripture that I take to heart.

Proverbs 18:17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

Submit to the Lord and allow Him to approve what is to be done.

I must admit I have deleted a number of things posted in haste. My trash bin is full of rejected articles. I count it a blessing to receive a rejection notice from God that keeps me from placing a stumbling block before my brethren.

Jeremiah 26:14

But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you.

Psalm 9:4

For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

1 Thessalonians 2:4

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

I include passages because they stir me. I have no control over how they move you. That is between you and God.