Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
There is a world of difference between self-respect and self-esteem. One is a healthy, God-given, sanctified consciousness of common sense, and the other is a sinful sense of self-importance and pride. One is that blessed fruit of “grace” that teaches one “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3, KJV). Another version: “Be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you” (TEV). Another: “it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves” (Peterson).
Evidently, God wants us to “interpret” ourselves, but to do it “soberly,” with reasonable common sense, anticipating the final judgment when each “must ... appear before the judgment seat of Christ ... [to] receive ... according to that he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). The self-esteem approach leaves one liable to a rude shock before that “judgment seat,” hearing the dear Lord say, “Depart from Me” when the self-esteemers will arrogantly remonstrate with Him (Matt. 25:41-45). Of their glittering careers when they were sure that they had “prophesied in [His] name ... and done many wonderful works” and heard “all men ... speak well” of them (Luke 6:26) the Lord will be forced to say, “I never knew you” (cf. Matt. 7:21-23). Sad, it was somebody else apparently blessing you!
It sounds corny, but it’s biblical: when you seek to “interpret” yourself rightly, look around and thank the Lord that “a living dog is better than a dead lion.” When you’re invited to a banquet, “do not sit down in the best place. Lest one more honorable than you be invited ... and you ... with shame ... take the lowest place” (Luke 14:8-10).
Sanctified common sense! Better to practice it now than at last.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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