The Gift of Limitation and the Grace of Becoming
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
On the surface, the title “Gift of Limitation” might seem negative. In fact, it is a very powerful and liberating principle. We need to reframe our thinking about limitation. Accepting what you can’t change pushes you to focus on what you can change.
Understand the difference between limitations of design from the false limitation of what is determined.
A limitation of design is like this: Your laptop computer cannot make pancakes. This sounds silly, but the point is clear!
A false limitation of what is determined is like this: A person who has a talent and training to sing or play an instrument but has “determined” that he cannot do it because someone questioned his ability.
It is one thing to not be able to do omething because you’re not designed to do it. It is altogether different to DECIDE you can’t do something,
Let’s consider at what Romans 12:3 is saying:
1. Paul wrote, “I say through the grace given to me…” The Scriptures are coming from a place of Grace, which is God’s ability, His operational power, and everything He has made available to you.
2. “Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.” Thinking of yourself more highly than you should is simply a waste of thought, time, and energy. Thinking outside of your design is not helpful. For example, thinking that I can sing like Marvin Gaye is a waste of time.
3. “Think soberly.” The biblical root of this word means, "To be of sound mind, to be in one's right mind, to exercise self control, to curb one's passions." The same word is used in this passage from Mark 5:15, “And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.”
4. “…As God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” You want to think within the domain of your faith. You should think on things and possibilities of what God has promised and what you believe. Thinking in this manner is actually more effective than thinking more highly of yourself.
Because you have “grace to become” you can accept limitations. Again, accepting what you can’t change pushes you to focus on what you can change.
To learn more about this principle, listen to my teaching,“The Gift of Limitation and the Grace of Becoming" on the Firm Foundation podcast.
