Romans 12: Part 18
After telling us to not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position, Paul goes on to tell us to "not be conceited" in the third part of verse 16. Conceited, essentially, means to have an excessively favorable opinion of oneself, according to dictionary.com . We are not to be vain or have an inaccurately positively opinion of ourselves.
Paul also discussed this in Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Sometimes, we can identify where we hold a conceited opinion of ourselves, by observing when we expect praise for our work and how we react when we don't get it. We can also identify when we try to show off and get people to notice our accomplishments.
Conceit is the opposite of humility and God calls us to be humble. (See what the Bible says about being HUMBLE and having HUMILITY). God is the source of everything good in our lives AND the Holy Spirit gave us our spiritual gifts. When we are conceited, we are at risk of blaspheming God by claiming credit for what HE has done in our lives. (Blasphemy is more than just cursing God, it is also not showing the reverence God deserves.)
Questions to Wrestle With
Take time this week to consider:
-How have you been conceited?
-What areas do you have an excessively favorable opinion of yourself?
-What do you do so well that you expect thanks and praise for your effort?
-How do you react when you don't receive the thanks and praise you expect?
-What tasks/achievements do you try to show off?
-In what ways do you give God the credit for the good and gifts in your lives?
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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