For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:3-8

Today is Labor Day here in the U.S. Eighteen months ago there was a lot of discussion as to what jobs are “essential” to the world we live in. I think most of us realized it then and certainly do now, but let me make this observation. Everyone is essential, Every job. Every person is necessary for our culture to continue.

How much more true is this fact in the lives of followers of Christ?

In this passage (Romans 12:3-8), Paul encourages us to take a good look at ourselves and think of ourselves accurately. Don’t think too little or too highly of yourself, but be honest about who you are, that is, who you are in Christ.

But Paul goes beyond an exercise of introspection, he encourages us to act within our spiritual gifts. Teaching, Preaching, Serving, Giving…whatever gifts we may have, we should exercise our place as part of the body of Christ.
Respond:

So how accurately do you see yourself? Where do you find yourself fitting in with other believers? Having trouble with the thought? Consider how you can serve those in your family or at work or in the church.

And remember this, you are essential.