14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited..
Romans 12:14-16, The New International Version
The last part of this relationship encouragement is a warning to check what is coming out of our own hearts. Paul gives us a list of three internal checks. He says, "Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."
When we relate to others, the first thing we want to check is our pride. The word Paul uses means someone trying to get honor. Are we trying to prove our worth through our words? Are we trying to impress others? Our relationships are based on mutual love, not upon who we are trying to be. When we are content to be a child of God, there is no room for pride.
The second check is being willing to associate with people of low position. This is not simply an economic issue, it is an issue of the soul. This world is intent on dividing and differentiating based upon a variety of hierarchies. Economic, race, talents, appearances, etc. Christian relationships have no competition in them. They only have service. The question we ask is "how can I serve others?"
The third check has to do with the conversation of our heart as it relates to others. To not be conceited means to stop having internal conversations that need to rise above others or put others lower to be important to ourselves. It is the internal blindness that comes from pride. If you are not experiencing the overwhelming value of others when you are relating to them, conceit may be gripping your soul.
These words are convicting because we all can be subject to selfishness in relationships. As always, the Christian disciple is looking for the Holy Spirit's conviction in our relationships so we can be a greater blessing to others. That is our aim and the way for us to honor God.
Have a great day!
Love, Pastor Stuart