More Highly Than You Ought
Paul Tripp
A few weeks ago I wrote a two-part Article arguing that human beings are glory junkies – here and here. In other words, we’re all addicted to the pursuit of self-glory. I want to keep pressing that topic today.
Why do we talk too much about ourselves? Why do we get so defensive when someone challenges us? A very helpful diagnosis comes from the Apostle Paul. He writes, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” (Romans 12:3, NIV)
I’m deeply persuaded that we’re addicted to the pursuit of self-glory because, when we look in the mirror, we think we see someone who deserves to be glorified. Instead of using the mirror of God’s Word to keep our judgment sober, we see an aggrandized version of who the Bible says we actually are.
I’ve found that there are four common factors that contribute to this distorted view of self:
1. KNOWLEDGE
Many have said “knowledge is power” and it’s true - the more you know, the more you can accomplish. But knowledge must never be confused with true faith, because you can be very knowledgeable and very immature at the same time. You can know everything there is to know about your product or industry and know very little about the Lord and your own need for grace.
When knowledgeable people look in the mirror, they’re tempted to see someone with a powerful brain that rarely needs help. But the mirror of God’s Word reveals that we have a deceitful and desperately sick heart that needs daily rescue (Jeremiah 17:9).
Praise God if he has gifted you with a powerful brain, and continue to pursue the acquisition of knowledge for his glory and for the good of others, but don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought. Remember what the Bible has to say about your heart and keep your judgment sober.