Embracing Your Need For Others: Romans 12:3-5
“3) For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4) For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5) so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:3-5
It has been said that “no man is an island unto himself.” This is especially true within the body of Christ. God has allotted to each a measure of faith so that we are not complete without the rest of the body of Christ. We need one another.
The problem comes when we become deceived into thinking that we can do it alone. In verse three Paul says; “I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment…” Self reliance gives birth to numerous problems, pride being at the center.
We all need stones we cannot lift alone, burdens we cannot carry alone, problems we cannot solve alone and callings we cannot achieve alone. God wants us to come to the end of ourselves to the point of seeing the need and value of others. God in His love will send storms our way with sufficient force to expose our arrogance, pride and self-centeredness.
This might be why Paul had a thorn in his flesh. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Many believe it was eye or seeing problems. (Galatians 4:12-15) Though God used him to write much of the New Testament, he was dependent on others to do the actual writing and assist him with many daily necessities. This really becomes clear in the little book of Philemon. It seems that Onesimus had become a significant helper for Paul.
The world today pushes a spirit of self reliance and independence. I have never seen more isolated and lonely people than today. The body of Christ is built on just the opposite. God wants us to be interdependent and thrive on teamwork.
Don’t bite Satan’s lie that you don’t need other people or the body of Christ. As the old song says, “One is the loneliest number of all.” You are not better than others, you are better with others!”
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
