A Modest View of Our Privileges

Paul set a fine example for Christians today. No matter what responsibilities have been entrusted to us, none of us should feel that we are superior to others.  "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing," Paul wrote, "he is deceiving his own mind." (Galatians 6:3)   Why?  Because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23; 5:12)  Yes, we should never forget that all of us have inherited sin and death from Adam. Special privileges do not elevate us from our lowly sinful condition.  (Ecclesiastes 9:2)  As was true in Paul's case, it is only by undeserved kindness that humans can come into a relationship with God at all, much less serve him in some privileged capacity. -Romans 3:12, 24.  

Realizing this, a person who is modest neither gloats over his privileges nor boasts of his accomplishments.  (1 Corinthians 4:7) When giving counsel or direction, he does so as a fellow worker-not as a master. Certainly, it would be wrong for one who excels in certain tasks to solicit praise  from or exploit the admiration of fellow believers.  (Proverbs 25:27; Matthew 6:2-4)  The only praise that is worth anything comes from others-and it should come unsolicited. If it does come, we should not let it cause us  to think more of ourselves than is necessary.- Proverbs 27:2; Romans 12":3. 

When we are entrusted with a measure of responsibility, modesty will help us to avoid putting undue emphasis on ourselves, creating the impression that  the congregation is thriving solely because of our efforts and abilities.  For example, we might be especially gifted at teaching.  (Ephesians 4:11, 12) In all modesty, however, we must recognize that some of the greatest lessons  learned at a congregation meeting are not delivered from the platform. Are you not encouraged  when you see, for example, the single parent who regularly comes to the Kingdom Hall with children in tow?  Or the depressed soul who faithfully comes to meetings despite  persistent feelings of worthlessness?  Or the youth who steadily makes spiritual advancement in spite of bad influences in school and elsewhere? (Psalm 84:10)  These individuals  may not be in the limelight.  The tests of integrity they face go largely  unnoticed by others. Yet, they may be as "rich in faith" as those who have more prominence.  (James 2:5)  After all, in the end it is faithfulness that wins Jehovah's favor. -Matthew 10:22; 1 Corinthians 4:2.

Next time: Gideon-"The Smallest in His Father's House

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000