“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.” Romans 12:3
I check social media far more often than I should. Likely, I’m addicted to it. There are some good aspects to it, for example, I can communicate with people across the country (and, indeed, the world), in an instant, and often use it to keep track of old friends, family, and former students of mine as they make their way in the world. Yet I can’t help but notice it makes people more self-centered. There’s not a day that goes by that someone is boasting on themselves, or taking a picture of themselves with their lips pursed because they want to show off how attractive they think they are (but use so many camera filters to remove any perceived flaws!). People brag on their accomplishments, how great they think they are, and express views that they refuse to allow anyone an opinion contrary to theirs. Social media is indeed just a tool, but, used in the wrong ways, it makes us so self-centered and vain!
Is it any wonder we’re so miserable? We build temples for ourselves, but they’re vapid and empty. We have not learned the lesson of Babel and keep trying to build the tower to heaven, placing ourselves upon its throne. Loved ones, we’re here for more than just self-glory (we shouldn’t be in that place at all!); God designed us to reflect HIS glory, and all we have been given in this life should be used for just that. He created you in His image so that you could be like Him. And your gifts and talents are not for self-glory, but to draw others to His love which sets men free from their sins. So do not think more highly of yourself than you ought, but soberly use all God has given you for His glory and honor.
Romans 12
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
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. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
