How can we not think too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3)?

TL;DR

We keep pride in check by remembering that God opposes arrogance, our salvation is pure grace, and every good gift comes from Him—not us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus’ humility reshapes how we see ourselves and frees us to serve others instead of elevating ourselves.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches us that pride in ourselves, for any reason, is not the attitude God wants from us. Many of the Proverbs show that God hates prideful behavior (Proverbs 6:16-17, 8:3, 16:5, 16:18). Moses, though chosen by God to lead the Israelites, was described as "a very humble man" (Numbers 12:2). God values humility (Micah 6:8).

Jesus is the ultimate model of humility. He washed His apostles' feet and encouraged them to have a servant's heart (John 13:1-17; Luke 22:25-26). Paul and Peter clearly followed Christ's example; in their letters, they encouraged believers to be humble (Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 5:5).

Believers have no reason to be prideful as we are saved by grace from God, not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Keeping this in mind helps us remain humble.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Many of the Proverbs warn against pride (Proverbs 6:16-17, 8:3, 16:5, 16:18, 27:2). Proverbs 16:17 says that God hates "haughty eyes," and Proverbs 16:18 warns that "pride goes before destruction."

The Old Testament describes Moses as "a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). Many people in Moses' position—the man God chose to lead His people—would have been prideful; Moses is a model of humility for us.

Micah 6:8 says, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." We please God when we are humble in our walk with Him.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus teaches us to not seek to be the highest but rather to be servants to each other (Luke 22:25-26). He modeled this attitude when He washed the apostles' feet during the last supper (John 13:1-17).

We are to follow the example of Jesus in having humility and being a servant to others (Philippians 2:5-8).

Paul had the credentials to boast (Acts 22:3). But instead of boasting in his accomplishments, he "boasted" in his weakness so that Christ's power would be magnified (2 Corinthians 12:9). He modeled the humility all believers should have.

In fact, Paul wrote to Roman believers, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought" (Romans 12:3) and encouraged Ephesian believers, "Be completely humble and gentle" (Ephesians 4:2).

Humility is a fitting attitude for believers as our salvation is not because of our works but because of our grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Quoting a proverb, Peter tells believers, "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Maybe it's your spiritual gifts, the easy way you speak with unbelievers, your Bible knowledge, or your teaching ability. Whatever stands out about you may be the very snare that encourages pride. Everyone is susceptible to pride because we're all sinners. How should believers guard against it?

First, we should remind ourselves that God hates pride. We can pray to God to reveal our pride to us and help us overcome it.

We can also remind ourselves that our salvation is completely undeserved. It isn't based on how much we volunteer or the amount we give to the church. It's not about how we are or what we have done. We are saved based solely on the grace of God.

Finally, we can look toward Jesus as the example. God the Son faced a humiliting, undeserved punishment for our sin. Considering that, we have no reason to be prideful.

When we focus less on ourselves, we can focus more on Christ and others.

UNDERSTAND

Christians should not be prideful.

The Bible teaches us to follow Jesus' example of humility and servanthood.

We should give credit to God alone for our blessings and spiritual gifts.

REFLECT

In what areas of your life do you feel you are susceptible to feelings of pride?

How does remembering the great grace you have received from God affect how you see yourself?

How can you follow Jesus' example of being a humble servant to others around you?

ENGAGE

How can we encourage humility in each other as fellow believers?

What is the best course to take when we notice a lack of humility in other believers?

How can we involve other believers in serving others humbly as Jesus did?