Don’t overestimate yourself. Don’t do that.

Romans 12:3 NLT
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Whenever I look at myself—level of knowledge, skill-set, talents, abilities, experiences, expertise and so on—there’s little or no doubts in my mind that, by myself, I could never do any of the things the Lord has called me to do.

Your parents may have told you you’re the smartest person that ever lived; people around you may continue to tell you how intelligent and able you are; and you may have succeeded in convincing yourself that you can.

But then, as life rolls on, the harsh reality starts to bite you in the face: you’re really not that smart, else you should have been farther along in life than where you are now.

If you’re the proud type, this can be quite discouraging and frustrating. Because you would prefer to boast about how your smartness and hardwork has made you successful. So you keep struggling, trying to make it and prove to yourself that you’re better than you really are.

Pride, however goes before a fall. In fact, God opposes the proud. But He gives grace to the humble. So don’t be a fool. Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves.

Humble yourself in life before God, and realize that your only advantage is God Himself living and working in you. In this way, you will rise above all limitations of your flesh and do all things through Christ Who fills you with His strength.

And then success in life will easily come to you; not because of how smart you are, how gifted you are, or how hard you work, but because you have tapped into the favour of God and have become highly favoured by Him.