Accepting Ourselves
Scripture Reading — Romans 12:1-8
Think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3
There is probably no part of our inner life that’s more fragile and important than our self-concept. Parents must wisely help children develop a healthy concept of self. All of us, in all stages of life, are shaped by our self-concept more than we often realize.
In our Scripture reading for today, Paul cautions us, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” It’s easy for us to think highly of ourselves—or at least to sound as if we do. We can sound proud so easily.
It seems to me, though, that there are also many times when we think too lowly of ourselves. A lack of selfesteem is a drag on many of us. We remember so well what we can’t do or what we haven’t done well. We quickly look at others as though they have superior abilities, and we feel inadequate.
In our Scripture for today Paul also gives us some very healthy encouragement, however. He reminds us that we are all important members of the body of Christ.
Each one of us counts as much as anyone else. We all have gifts, some of them different from others, but all are important gifts from God. “In Christ we who are
many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Paul’s point is that we are called to give of ourselves in service and to discover and faithfully use
the gifts God has given.
Creator God, thank you for the way you have made me and the gifts you have given me. Help us all to affirm each other and to use our gifts in loving service. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Howard Vanderwell
Rev. Howard Vanderwell was involved in pastoral ministry in the Christian Reformed Church for 40 years, serving as a pastor in Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. Upon retirement in 2002, he began his work at Calvin Seminary, where he helped train the ministers of the next generation. Howard and his wife, Eleanor, were married for 57 years and had three married sons and ten grandchildren.
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