Sometimes we think more highly of ourselves than we should. Jesus warned against this is the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14). Luke also records two different times when the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus tried to show them that His standards were very different from the world’s.

Luke 9:46–48 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest.”

Luke 22:24–27 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

We have been called to be servants, following the example of the one who served by suffering for the sins of the world. We serve in response to knowing He has already saved us from our deserved punishment.  So we should not think of ourselves too highly.

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

On the other hand, sometimes we can be very hard on ourselves. I was recently on a committee interviewing a seminary candidate, and he made the comment: “We often put our blooper reels against other people’s highlight reels.”  I know what he meant. We know our own shortcomings. We compare our worst to other’s best. But we are supposed to remember that because of our faith in Jesus, God sees us in a new way.

Galatians 6:4–10 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

We should remember that God sees us as someone He loves and died for.