\u201cObjective\u201d is defined by Merriam-Webster as something: \u201cbased on facts rather than feeling or opinions: not influenced by feelings.\u201d When we consider whether or not our thinking is objective, we might use other terms to describe it, like: unbiased, unprejudiced, rational, authentic, or realistic. The fact of the matter is that we as humans, being emotional beings, have a hard time keeping our emotions out of the equation when we evaluate things. And as a result are usually less than objective in our assessments about the reality that surrounds us, and often time the reality about ourselves. That is to say, we have a particularly hard time being objective in our evaluations and estimations of ourselves. It takes a truly mature individual to objectively evaluate themselves.
Typically when it comes to our evaluating of self, we err in one of two directions. We may overestimate ourselves, thinking that we have more abilities, influence, knowledge, etc. then what we truly possess. As a result of this inflated view of self, we tend to \u201cbite off more than we can chew\u201d and get ourselves \u201cin over our heads\u201d. This overestimating of self most often corresponds with immaturity, and really is a lack of humility. The young person (and we have all been there) thinks they can do anything, is convinced they are always right while everyone else is wrong. In reality they lack practical experience, knowledge and wisdom. Their decisions are illinformed, but bold, because they don\u2019t even know that they don\u2019t know how to do what they are doing! Obviously a lack of objectivity of self on this side of the spectrum can be disastrous, as individuals, who really should be following, instead attempt (rather poorly) to lead others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026the untaught and unstable distort [Paul\u2019s writings], as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.\u201d <\/p> (2 Peter 3:16b) <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
On the other end of the spectrum we have those who think less of themselves than they ought to think. They downplay their abilities and talents, refusing to acknowledge or see what they are truly capable of doing, and therefore they do little or nothing. I am not exactly sure why some folks tend to think this way about themselves (I usually err on the other end of the spectrum). It may be perhaps that they have failed in the past, and are afraid that if they try they will fail again. It may be that they recognize the difficulty and responsibility that comes along with having more ability, that responsibility scares them, and so they try to \u201cbury\u201d their ability pretending that they don\u2019t have it. I\u2019m not sure, but some people seem to have developed an inferiority complex about themselves, and have convinced themselves, for whatever reason, that they just aren\u2019t capable of doing what they clearly can do. Make no mistake, having an inferiority complex is not the same as being truly humble. In fact, it is just another form of self-deception. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground.\u201d <\/p> Matthew 25:25a<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
How do we overcome this, so that we can be all we can be in our service of the Lord? First, we are going to have to acknowledge that we are not all going to fill the same functions or have equal abilities. Then, having acknowledged our differences, we are going to have to identify what we each can do, and then do it to the best of our ability. Paul said to the Romans, \u201cFor 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. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly\u201d (Romans 12:3-6a). The phrase \u201csound judgement\u201d is really the translation of one Greek word: S\u014cPHRONE\u014c. This word means to be in a right frame of mind, to have full possession of your faculties (cf. Matthew5:15; 2 Corinthians 5:13), to be sensible (cf. Titus 2:6). We might say, \u201cBe objective about yourself. Identify your real function, and then perform it with all your heart!\u201d
How well are you doing at being objective in your evaluation of self? Are you think too high, and attempting to do things of which you are not capable? Are you thinking too low, and failing to do what you can do? Or are you thinking with \u201csound judgement\u201d, objectively identifying your abilities and implementing those in the service of your king? <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cFor whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.\u201d <\/p>(Luke 8:18b) <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Passage To Ponder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sins? Let us examine and probe our ways, And let us return to the LORD. <\/p> Lamentations 3:39-40<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThis bulletin is being published for the purpose of encouraging a further study of the Word of God. Editor \u2013 Josh Liggin <\/p>\n\n\n\n