READ: Gal. 6:3–6: … But let each one examine his own work …
Let no one feel superior, as though he is better or more important than others. No one is their own standard, and no one is called to judge others. It is of utmost importance to test yourself according to God’s Word—not superficially, but thoroughly. Only when you realize that you can live only by grace as a sinner, will you be able to help others as the Lord requires.
If you imagine yourself to be more important than another church member, it betrays that you have not examined yourself by God’s Word. Paul says: “If anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
We are all nothing of ourselves and worthy of condemnation. Even if you don’t see yourself as important, but you lack concern for your brothers and sisters, you are still acting pridefully; that too is a form of selfishness. You are unwilling to sacrifice yourself for someone who needs it.
You may also think you don’t need any help. But that is not how the Lord has placed us together in the communion of saints—we are the body of Christ together (Rom. 12:9–16; 1 Cor. 12:12–27)!
As the Head of His church, His body, Christ desires that we build each other up in faith and grow together toward Him, holding to the truth in love (Eph. 4:16).
Paul emphasizes that in order to do this, it is crucial that you have insight into yourself. We must judge ourselves by Scripture, ask whether we live by grace, whether we serve Christ with our lives as Head and Savior of the church, and whether we are walking in His footsteps of gentleness, love, and self-sacrifice.
Let us also recognize that we daily need the Holy Spirit—to fight the sin that still lives within us and to take a servant-hearted attitude. First within the community of saints, but also outwardly. If we act in such dependency, then there will also be a reward of grace at Christ’s return (v. 4b, 5; cf. Matt. 25:21, 23).
What does it mean for you to have reason to boast?
Sing: Ps. 112:3