How Do You View Yourself?

Blessings Of A Balanced View

Having a modest and humble spirit enables Jehovah's servants to find true joy in their ministry. Elders are more approachable when they humbly "treat the flock with tenderness." (Acts 20:28, 29) Then all in the congregation feel more comfortable talking to them and seeking their help. The congregation may thereby be drawn closer together in a spirit of love, warmth and trust.

Not taking ourselves too seriously enables us to make good friends. Modesty and humility will keep us from developing a competitive spirit and trying to outshine other in deeds or in material things. These godly qualities will help to make us more considerate, and thus we will be in a better position to comfort and support those in need. (Philippians 2:3, 4) When people are touched by love and kindness, they usually respond well. And does not such an unselfish relationship become the foundation on which strong friendships are built? What a blessing for not immodestly taking ourselves too seriously! -Romans 12:10.

A balanced view of ourselves also makes it easier to admit our mistake when we have offended someone. (Matthew 5:23, 24) This results in better relationships, allowing for reconciliation and mutual respect. If they are humble and modest,those in positions of oversight, such as Christian elders, have the opportunity to do much good for others. (Proverbs 3:27; Matthew 11:29) A humble person will also find it easier to forgive others who sin against him. (Matthew 6:12-15) He will not overreact to perceived slights, and he will trust in Jehovah to rectify matters that cannot be corrected in any other way. -Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 3:5, 6.

The greatest blessing gained by having a modest and humble view of ourselves is that of enjoying Jehovah's favor and approval. "God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones." ( 1 Peter 5:5) May we never fall into the snare of thinking that we are better than we actually are. Instead, let us humbly recognize our position in Jehovah's arrangement of things. Grand blessings are in store for all who meet his requirement 'to be modest in walking with God.'

Next time: Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah

Watchtower, 2000