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“"An Accurate Appraisal"”

Thoughts for Today:

As a young man, I often wondered, "How could Paul consider himself 'less than the least'? Was it a case of false humility or did he really believe it?" We know Paul was not the "least" of anyone when it came to his faithful devotion in following the Lord. In fact, Paul confirmed his own standing among Apostles (2 Corinthians 12:11): "I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the 'super-apostles,' even though I am nothing." So why does Paul lift himself to a comparable standing with any other Apostle, and then in the same sentence call himself nothing? It can be confusing.

As humans we often compare ourselves to those around us. We see others who are less than what God might want them to be; and then pridefully look at ourselves and think we're doing pretty good in comparison. However, if we see ourselves cast in the full light of God's perfection standard, we realize that at our best, we fall woefully short of His mark. We don't deserve anything other than judgment, condemnation and the full consequence of His wrath. So it is only by His own grace and mercy that God loves any of us. A true understanding and revelation of this truth should cause us to say, like Paul: "I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people." It isn't false humility; rather it is simply an accurate appraisal of our corrupt condition.

Questions to Ponder:

Will you take a look at yourself in the full light of God's perfection standard? How do you think you're doing? If your answer is anything other than a failing grade, then you have missed the example Paul provides for us to consider. Remember, we are not to be falsely humble, but instead to make an accurate assessment of ourselves. This always gives us the proper perspective from which we might serve others the way God intended.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.