You Stand on the Shoulders of Giants

“For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one” (Romans 12:3).  
 
If you could choose one person, or even a group of people, who has helped you become who you are today, could you pick them out? Can you think of the people who have been the most influential in your life?  

We tend to think highly of ourselves when we make an accomplishment. When we get where we’re going, sometimes we forget to turn around and shake the hands of those who helped lift us up. This is not to say that we don’t work hard or that we have everything handed to us, but the truth is, we can’t take credit for anything. Everything we are, we owe to the Father and those He sent to help guide us.  

God knows who we need.  

He sends family, friends, even strangers to raise us. Somewhere down the line of your life, He had someone find you and take you in. A teacher, a parent, a mentor set a fire in your soul and woke you up.  

We come from a long line of God’s messengers—His stewards of mysteries. Who you are today is because of the faith and obedience of your people chasing you down, showing you the unwavering love of God. You stand on the shoulders of giants. The divine intervention in your life was by design.  

So, when Paul reminds his fellow Christians not to think more highly of themselves than they should, he’s reminding them that humility is necessary for stewardship. To be a good steward, you must practice humility. You didn’t get here on your own—God sent you warriors to come alongside you. As you mature in Christ, you’ll be placed in someone’s life to steward them, and then you’ll become the influence in another’s life. Then, your shoulders will be holding others up.  

It takes humility to raise people. When you are the giant holding someone up, tread with a humble heart—you’re raising up more warriors, and they’re learning to fight by watching you fight.