3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:3-8 (KJV)

A Word About Humility

Paul well understood the need for humility when in service to Christ and offers instructions to every believer concerning humility. Consider:

The Caution
If we are to serve the Lord, and be effective in our service, we must possess an abundant attitude of humility. He knew the dangers of pride and arrogance in service. He had lived the legalistic life that elevated the accomplishments of men while belittling others in the process. Paul knew some felt as if the work and ministries of God rested solely upon their personal abilities and achievements. (Galatians 6:3, James 4:6)

The Challenge
After a warning against pride, Paul presents a challenge regarding our attitude towards service. We are challenged to think soberly. This is suggesting of a “balanced thinking, being sane, and of a right mind.” We are to clearly consider the abundance of grace God has provided in our lives and the abilities He has given us. This involves an attitude of thankfulness for God’s goodness, as well as humility. We are blessed beyond measure to even have a small part in the ministries for The Lord. We are blessed to have the opportunity to serve Him in any capacity.

A Word About Unity

The Diversity
Paul reminds of the diversity within the body, along with the unity we share in Christ. Regardless of our position, regardless your social standing, regardless of your wealth, regardless of your race, regardless of your background, we all belong to the body of Christ. In order for the body to function as it should as a whole, each member must be in their place while making specific contributions which benefit the body as a whole.

The Development
Again, Paul reminds us that although we are many, with varied and diverse gifts, we all make up one body in Christ. The Lord has equipped us individually, placing us within His body as it has pleased Him. He takes vessels that once were unworthy and incapable of use, cleanses them in His shed blood, and places them within the body to serve Him and compliment the body as a whole. As we serve in our specific area within the body, we provide support and strength for the entire body. There are no lesser members within the body. Every part must function as it should in order for the body to operate and be effective.

The Dependence
Each of us are members, one of another. This reveals the dependence we share with one another. We make up differing and separate parts of the body to create the whole. There would be a great void if one part of the body were separated or missing.

A Word About Sincerity

Our Calling
Everyone who has received salvation by faith in the Lord has been gifted of the Lord. We are equipped with the Lord as He sees fit. As He equips us with specific gifts, He calls us to areas of service in order to use those gifts. We are not gifted of the Lord out of obligation. He provides gifts in order to equip us to serve. With the blessing of a particular gift comes the obligation to use that gift in service to the Lord for His glory and the benefit of the body, not for our personal agenda!

Our Commitment
Paul speaks of varied gifts given of the Lord and the responsibility to use those gifts faithfully for the Lord. Let’s look at these gifts in particular. He speaks of the gift of:

  • Prophecy
  • Ministry
  • Teaching
  • Exhortation
  • Giving
  • Leadership
  • Mercy

Certainly, we all possess different gifts, but each is essential to the work of the body. We must serve with humility, while being united together for the good of the entire body. Each believer is gifted differently, and each possesses the ability to make necessary contributions. We need to use the gifts we have been given for the glory of the Lord and the benefit of the body of Christ.