Unlimited: Do Not Be Conceited
Aug 16, 2023 470
Do not be conceited (Romans 12:16d).
In a general sense, this instruction to “Do not be conceited” (NIV) is translated by the NASB as “Do not be wise in your own estimation” and in the NLT as “don’t think you know it all!” This is important advice for everyone in every generation and in every situation.
History is littered with the failed pronouncements of the conceited. 1876 was the year in which the telephone was patented in the USA. That same year, a Western Union internal memo said,
This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.
We are not to be conceited and consider ourselves superior.
That same year, on the other side of the Atlantic, Sir William Preece, Chief Engineer of the British Post Office said,
The Americans have need of the telephone, but we do not. We have plenty of messenger boys.
As people have been wrong in these general areas, so too they have been wrong in their approach to relationships. Paul’s instruction here specifically applies to those who strive for power and position in relation to others. However, this applies in every relationship, within our marriages, churches, and our workplaces. We are not to consider ourselves superior and seek power at the expense of others.
Spiritual Application
It’s easy to be conceited in the areas in which we are especially trained, skilled, or experienced. These can be blind spots. What are those areas in your life? How can you make sure that you stay humble in those areas?
Olivia Jeter
Aug 17, 2023
Good day everyone I must say that in my life I find myself Quickly to speak and slowly to listen so I call on Jesus to help me in areas of my life so I thank Jesus Christ our Savior 🙏 not what he does but especially who he is JESUS Jesus Amen amen hallelujah Glory and his holy mighty name Jesus