Q4. Self-Assessment

[Pastor Ralph]

Q4. (Romans 12:3-5) Why is an accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important? Why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important? How might pride and anger arise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn’t design us for?

[Elle Jee]

Romans 12:3-5. Yikes. I read it like this: As my faith grows, and I am honest with myself, I may realize God’s merciful love by the strengths and weaknesses he gives to me. I need to be humble, realizing that I am one body, with these strengths and weaknesses - while realizing that we are all one body and I need to live harmoniously with others who have different strengths and weaknesses. Tough lesson. I have to remember that these gifts come to each of us at different times and at different levels in our lives. That requires humility. 

[Commissioned]

Q4. (Romans 12:3-5) Why is an accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important? Why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important? How might pride and anger arise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn’t design us for?

Romans 12:3-5 teaches that true humility requires an honest and accurate assessment of our spiritual state, including both our strengths and weaknesses. Humility involves recognizing who we are in relation to God, not thinking too highly of ourselves, but rather seeing ourselves clearly through the lens of His truth. This kind of self-assessment is essential for living a life of humility, as it keeps us grounded and reliant on the Holy Spirit for growth and guidance.

Accurate self-assessment stands in direct contrast to "vain conceit," which emerges when pride leads us to overestimate our abilities or become frustrated when we attempt to take on roles or positions God hasn’t intended for us. When we push ourselves into places we were not designed for, it can stir up pride and anger, revealing our lack of alignment with God’s purpose. True humility, however, comes from accepting where God has placed us and embracing our unique role in His plan, which allows us to serve others with grace and contentment, empowered by His Spirit.

[Bianca]

An accurate self assessment helps us to understand how we fit in the body of Christ. We need to understand our strength and weaknesses. Understanding this helps keep us from getting into pride. It helps us to see we can't do everything but we are all called to do something within the body of Christ and in this world. This is also why it is important to discover our spiritual gifts because it helps us to see where we fit in at and can also help keep us from envying and jealousy. Pride and anger can come in because we can try to be something that we are not and we can wonder why it's not working. If we are not doing what God called us to do as individuals then frustration can definitely come in.

[David Babcock]

If I wish to complete a project, I must know the materials, skill and time to complete the project. A self assessment, just like a pretest shows me what I have and what I need.Knowing what I have gives me the opportunity to share. Knowing what I need gives the opportunity to rely on others as I mature. No one has all the parts. We are all being fitted together into the Body of Christ. 
When I know my gifts, I know what I have to offer

If I am centered on self and feel I know what is best for me, I am not considering what is best for the whole. God knows how to put the puzzle together. When I don’t get my way, I feel slighted. This can lead to anger and resentment.

[Brother Clifford wilson]

Thanks for your post, To learn to walk in humility definitely requires self assessment.  In our busy days we must give time to God for true assessment.  I am new to this post.  I am taking your post and appling some self assessment and truth to my daily talk in the spirit.

[Nicolaas A.P. Mostert]

Q4. (Romans 12:3-5)

Why is an accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important?

We will understand our spiritual gifts and our self.

Why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important?

To walk in the right way so that we can pleasing GOD. 

How might pride and anger arise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn't design us for?

This is only when things are done in own strength then success in own strength leads to pride or when it fails to anger.  

[Kak]

Q4. Our aim in life is to “walk humbly with Our God”, we can only do this properly if we have a good measure of ourselves! We need God’s help in order to show us an accurate picture of our spiritual state. We learn this by spending time daily with God, and appreciating all that God has done for us and does on a continuing basis. It is important to know our spiritual gifts and to use them to Glorify God and to build up our Church family. We have been given our spiritual gifts by God to use for the benefit of others and not just ourselves.

Pride and anger may arise if we are doing things without the leading and guiding of the Lord.  Maybe we have misjudged our abilities and are not suitable for a certain role, and when we are not asked to fulfill that role we become angry. If we had consulted God, we would be more aware of His leading and guiding , possibly away from this particular role towards something more in line with our spiritual gifts. 

[Jewells]

Q4. (Romans 12:3-5) Why is an accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important? Why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important? How might pride and anger arise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn't design us for?

 

Romans 12:3-5For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

I think self assessment is necessary to make a good fit of where you belong in the body and to determine what God's will is for you at this time.  I love the second part of this question about pride and anger arising.  If we are not in the right place we are likely to have those responses.  It is a good indication you have not assessed the circumstance rightly.  God calls us to peace, and service in love gladly rejoicing in the service and in the gifts each one is given.  The gifts are to be used in humility also.  There is a lot of narcissist leaders today and if you are coming under there control instead of rising up in anger maybe it is time to reassess where you truly belong.  There is also a lot of church hurts of mistreatment.  The humility does not call us to be a door mat but to reassess where we belong to humbly submit and to celebrate the gifts of all.  Each one appreciated and loved for just being a part of the body of Christ.  It is enough just to be yourself.

[Zanele Tlhakanelo]

Accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state is important because it assists us to know who we are in Christ. We should always enquire of the Lord what His good, pleasing and perfect will is about our lives. At times you see someone doing something so well and you assess yourself and think that you can do better than that person. God has given us different gifts and if not sure what you have been called up to do, ask God.

I remember growing up , I wanted to be a lawyer/attorney but my school grades did not permit me to go that route and ended up being a teacher. I do not regret that because I saw the hand of God from the very first year I started teaching until now. Praise be to God alone. Discovering our spiritual gifts is important because where God has called you, you will surely excel and that is the reason I am grateful that indeed God perfectly directed my path.

Pride and anger will bring resentment when you force your path in what God has not called you to do. Like Samuel, just say to God, "Speak Lord for Your servant is listening." The Will of God will not take you, where the mercies of God cannot sustain you.

[Brother Clifford wilson]

Q4. It is very important to know our spiritual state.  Our spiritual state is known of the Lord.  The Lord want us to be aware and spiritualy involved with the great work that he is doing.  As He works, we grow spirituality.  Assessing our spiritual state helps us to be aligned with God.  Only by assessing this can we continue to learn the awsome power ofGods and his will for our lives.  We become aware of the spiritual gifts according to God's will for our life.  We are guided by the Holy Spirit to grow in Godlyness.  We can grow but God wants use to be aware of the growing process. Jesus bids Peter at the supper/ before the Romans captured Jesus in Luke 22:32. “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:32.) All of the abundance, fullness, and plenty of this earth was given to us by God to be enjoyed in righteousness.  In this verse Peter sinned when he lied when in vs 22:33. Peter says " I am ready to go with you to prison, and to death".

Peter learned his spiritual state then and after the Lord converted him from his sin.  Spiritual assessment aligns us in real time with Gods blessings moving forward.

[Brother Clifford wilson]

Pride and anger cannot co exist with the Grace of God.  We cannot be Godly and prideful at the same time.  We are called to forgive and be slow to anger. 

• James 1:19 "Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger". This verse suggests being patient, reflective, and forgiving, and not getting angry quickly. 

   

[Frances Kay]

If we are not accurate in our self-assessment we become unbalanced. We may feel unbalanced in our selves or appear unbalanced to others.

[Brenda Joy]

An accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state is important because it helps us to define our calling and be used to build up the body of Christ and minister to those outside the church.  Discovering our spiritual gifts enable us to live out what God has in store for us.  Gift enable us to do the will of God for our lives.  Every gift is important and vital for the function of the church.  If we step into a role we are not meant to be in we don't have the authority or anointing to do what is needed.   Pride says I want to do this and because we are not called to the task it will not work.  There will be struggle, disappointment and frustration which leads to anger, wasted time and energy.

[Mama Eve]

(Romans 12:3-5)  Why is accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important?

Our spiritual self is so important because it's you and your most beautiful and powerful form. It is the authentic self, the unconditional part the you without patterns. (Psalms 139:23-24) says, we learn to ask God to help us in self-examination, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. It is also so important as believers because it strengthens our spiritual journey with God. It also enables us to communicate better with others, and it also enables us to have a good relationship with the Lord. Most of all it will enable us to have empathy for others.

Also, the same way we have different body parts we also have special gifts that are necessary for the church. We are all one body in Christ with different functions. This is to glorify the Lord.

 

why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important?

Spiritual gifts are a very special gift of the Holy Spirit given to believers by Christ and are used to build up; the church in unity and the believer toward Christ likeness. These gifts are used to fulfill the mission of the church. We all work together as one body in Jesus Christ. Also, spiritual gifts are meant to be used for the service of the body. 

How might pride and anger rise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn't design us for?

First the enemy of our souls is pride.Pride is a prison that perpetuates anger, hurt and foolishness. If we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn't design for us we will feel out of place. Also, feeling not belonging will make someone feel less superior than others.

[hanks]

Q4. (ROMANS 12:3-5) 
Why is an accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important? Why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important? How might pride and anger arise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn't design us for? 
To remain humble, we must have an accurate self-assessment. Having an exaggerated idea of our own importance can lead to ugly pride. A pride that takes over and we become more and He becomes less. On the other hand, thinking too little of ourselves can hinder our ability and success of the work God has planned for us. To be most effective in serving our Lord we need to discover our spiritual gifts. Each one of us is unique, and has received spiritual gifts that allow us to carry out the functions God has given us. This we should do with all the strength that God supplies. Normally we should be happy with the place God has dealt to us in the Body. We are to trust our Lord; He made us and knows where He wants us to be serving Him. 
 

[Janzie]

On 8/12/2024 at 8:32 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q4. (Romans 12:3-5) Why is an accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important? Why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important? How might pride and anger arise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn’t design us for?

Being able to accurately assess our own self -- God's spiritual gifts entrusted to us, natural talents, our obedience, the Spirit's work, etc. -- all these are important in walking with humility.

Discovering our spiritual gifts is so important because it is important to true humility and lets you know where you fit in the body.  If you are not sure yet, seek the Lord and He will guide you.

We need to be sure of where God wants us in the body.  We should not covet others gifts thinking we should be doing what they are doing, as anger and jealousy arise.

[Clelie]

When we know we have been gifted to do the work of God in a certain capability we should do it whole heartedly,not desiring a gift which does  not belong to us . 

God gifts  people according to His sovereign choice. Trying to go beyond the will of God in wanting something that He has not designed for us bring frustration, anger and pride thinking we are more worthy of a greater gift.

 

 

 

[Lisa Wolf]

Q4. (Romans 12:3-5) Why is an accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important? Why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important? How might pride and anger arise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn’t design us for?

When we are in a situation God has planned for us to enter, all flows incredibly! (Ephesians 2:10) I have also been in some rotten situations, and I implored God in prayer to tell me if I had sinned or made a wrong step--sometimes that is the truth and we re-calculate together, so I can regain my footing on the path He has for me.  But in one situation He clearly reminded me that I gave Him my life.  Sometimes I am used for someone else's benefit.  Pride that we are doing it could come in if we take the reins...or anger if the situation became to difficult for us to handle.

[faith & hope 2017]

An accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state reminds us or reveals if we are living by the will of our Father.  As we were taught earlier, you cannot have humility without love. Now, we are taught also that self-assessment is realistic.  We must assess ourselves to determine if we are utilizing our God-given talents for His purpose or the things outside His will such as pride. Remember, it's all about Jesus.  We were created to glorify Him. 

How can we better serve Him if we are going about aimlessly, not knowing what our spiritual gifts are?  We have to know and be confident that we are here to glorify GOD and never forget the sacrifices made.  If not, we are allowing the enemy, who roams the earth to steal, kill, and destroy have his way.  

As Christians, we must be very careful not to imitate others because we see and hear what they do and say.  We can easily be mesmerized by their eloquent prayers, their missionary works, solo singing, etc.  Being involved in something that God did not lead to will cause you to not be successful. You'll experience temporal success which can negatively affect a person's demeanor.  What God has for you is for you.  The Lord never made a mistake.  You will prosperous in your God-given talent because He is victorious in everything He does. 

[Krissi]

These are interesting questions!

Though Paul was an incredibly talented, well-educated, sophisticated and worldly man who was used by God in a way that fit his “resume,” the disciples were called to a similar position from poverty, provincialism and a relative lack of education. Perhaps the fishermen-disciples were secretly gifted in diplomacy and had extraordinary IQs, but I doubt it – it seems they were typical fisherman. It is their ordinariness that makes their calling so interesting. God called ordinary people to do extraordinary feats: God calls the unlikely to do the unbelievable.

Had the disciples taken one of those tests to determine their natural gifts and abilities, they probably would not have responded to Jesus’ call to be his disciples (had they known what it entailed) because they’d rightly feel inadequate. With humility based on reason, they’d assume they weren’t capable of doing what He was asking. Furthermore, they were not spiritually mature when called so not well suited spiritually either. I suppose our contemporary era is different, that we have the bible and can be more easily prepared spiritually compared to the disciples who were in the dark as to what God was doing, but still, it is very difficult to know what God sees in us, how He views us and what He wants us to do with us. 

Perhaps the fact that our spiritual and natural gifts are entwined is what makes it so difficult to know our spiritual gifts. It’s hard to tease them apart. One may be a fantastic public speaker but NOT called to the pastorate or to evangelize the masses – conversely, one may stutter and be called to preach!  The assumption that our natural gifts are a clue to our spiritual gifts is sometimes incorrect.

I’m not sure pride would result from being in a place we were not called to be, but surely anger would be a consequence as well as disappointment, hurt, a feeling of betrayal and being shelved by God, etc. Others may interpret frustration and anger as pride, however. They would be wrong.

--

Going on a tangent here … God, on occasion, makes us endure long, long preparation periods where it feels as if we’re out of His will, years seemingly “wasted.” If an outsider looked at us during these times, he’d probably think we were being punished by God or were pride-filled because, on the surface, we’vee accomplished nothing. What follows is a secular example, but the nineteenth-century British landscape painter John Constable, before he painted his marvelous scenes of England, spent THREE YEARS on his back just looking at clouds and doing nothing. He never lifted a brush. I can’t imagine what his family thought of him during this time!  After three years, though, he started painting again. So, were those wasted years or were they preparation for his future “calling” as a landscape painter?

 https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.104243.html

More to the point … Luther spent years as a monk (not his calling), in incredible emotional pain and turmoil until he slowly found a position as a professor before finding his ultimate calling as the instigator and leader of the Reformation. Yes, he was at the right time and place, but he was also prepared intellectually and even physically for what he had to do. Those years in preparation were not joy-filled years for him. He didn’t fit where he had been placed in the monastery. He really didn’t fit in the professorate either. But he was prepared in these places for his future. I read somewhere recently that God puts people he is going to use for some particular service through the worst horrible trials and “misfitting” circumstances if they are being called to something that requires more extreme strengths and attributes in particular areas. Not all spiritual gifts are to be used in the church, by the way. Many are used in secular circumstances, in our jobs, the political realm, etc.

Some women, in particular, endure years of child-bearing and -raising before they can be finally called to a more fitting service while others are content with their families. Those called out of the home find those decades of  “house arrest” incredibly misfitting and dull.

Of course, there are people who are uncomfortable because they’re in a place they shouldn’t be – out of His will. Their discomfort Is self-caused. Confession and change will have to occur. It’s a bit like missing a turn and having your GPS say “RECALCULATE.” They could be angry about their circumstances, but their anger is self-directed, or should be. They caused their own predicament. So, not knowing if your lousy situation is your own fault or God's will makes your anger either due to pride (feeling we should be doing something different … better), or a rational response to lousy circumstances. It’s quite possible, I've noticed, to be very successful when out of His will, to fail upward and succeed! I’ve also known of people that God subjected to failure so they would recalculate and move in a different direction.

One last thing. The Lord does NOT always clearly lead. For the fortunate, the path is clear, but most of the time we see through the mist, at best, taking one step at a time towards and unknown calling and goal.