Conceit

"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." (Romans 12:3 NIV)

Ignorance is bliss . . . or so the cliché goes. I'm not certain of where that ancient adage came form, yet we are not ignorant of the fact that what we don't know can be detrimental to us and our decisions. In fact, the broader our knowledge base, the more capable we are of making good and wise decisions.

This is even more true concerning self-knowledge. The more we know ourselves -- the more we acknowledge that we don't know -- the greater our ability to humbly assess personal needs. Ignorance breeds a "more highly than we ought" attitude.

From Paul's thesis in his Romans Epistle we may conclude that ignorance was a huge problem in the 1st century church. Specifically, the Gentile believers were developing this haughty attitude that they were somehow better than the Jews. Yet, in Romans 11:25, Paul states categorically that his explanation of the mystery is so that new believers won't be conceited. Their ignorance had created conceit and contempt.

The unbelief and disobedience of the Jews has not diminished God's covenant with them (11:26-27 & 29). He has only used their hardened hearts as an opportunity to open the door of his Kingdom to the Gentiles (11:28-31). God has simply "enclosed" everyone -- Jew and Gentile -- in unbelief and disobedience so that he "may have mercy on all of them" (11:32).

So, I should understand that ignorance breeds arrogant contempt, and I am not as wise as God (11:33-36). And I need a different kind of thinking (12:1-2), a renewed mental attitude and perspective. I need to wisely consider things from the position of "the faith God has allotted" to me (12:3). Bliss? No! A transformed, renewed mind? YES!

Dear Father, thank you for the grace that you have extended to all people through Jesus Christ. Enable us to wisely consider your grace through the faith you have allotted us. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Renew your mind and be wise today,