Dear Ones,
A baby is born so cuddly and cute and everyone knows it; even the baby. We want to give it
kisses, presents, a bank account, plans for future education and on and on. This is fine and we should plan for the future. (Notice I said plan, not worry)
However, there comes a time when all this attentions can have a negative influence on a person. When self looms larger than life. When self says “I will, I want or that’s the way I see it.” Of course you can see when the “I’s” have it, big trouble is brewing.
Actually this type of living does not make a person happier. It actually puts more pressure on one to achieve gain or accumulate stuff. Stress due to jealousy, comparison, narcissistic obsession with appearance, possessions, acceptance, perfection and worst of all pride. Living for self is a nightmare and leads to sickness and failure. STOP IT!
None of the above listed descriptions are God’s will for your life. The reason being is there is a much happier and stress-free prescription for real success which is found in God’s Word.
As a true Christian if we will begin to long for a holy view of life and then allow the Holy Spirit to anoint us to live up to that view or goal we would find Christ behind our very thoughts and actions.
As our example, we could memorize Matthew 7:12 and Ephesians 5:21 as our bench mark and then use John 13:5, 14 as our life-size example of perfection.
So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. -Matthew 7:14
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ – Ephesians 5:21
Now read the example of perfection in John 13:5 and burn this picture into your memory.
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Then Jesus gives us a command to emulate His actions. He basically says, “move out of self-centeredness and become like me.”
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. – John 13:14
You will never live with such peace and freedom in your heart and mind until you learn selflessness. It will add another ten years to your life of service to Him. Trust me!
Love you and be a blessing
Brother Walt
Please feel free to comment in the space below about ways the Lord has been teaching you about self-centeredness.
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