Letting God Lead Your Life.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others" Phil. 2:3-4.

Someone once wrote an article about “How To Be Miserable." Such a strange subject to write about.  However, reading some of the highlights, I guess there's so many lessons for us to learn from it. It says, think about yourself alone in a decision. Talk about yourself, use "I" as often as possible. Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others. Listen greedily to what people say about you. Expect to be appreciated. Be suspicious. Be jealous and envious. Be sensitive to slights. Never forgive a criticism. Trust nobody but yourself. Insist on consideration and respect. Demand agreement with your own views on everything. Be angry if people are not grateful to you for the favours shown to them. Never forget a service you have rendered. Shirk your duties if you can. Do as little as possible for others. You will no doubt end up being miserable.

Man by nature is selfish and self centered in decision making. As believers we are called to live above selfishness. To properly achieve this, you must understand what principles power selfishness. Self-centeredness can be powered by several underlying causes and traits. Amazingly, on many occasions, behind self centeredness is insecurity and low self esteem. It stems from a deep-seated need for approval and validation. Individuals may focus on themselves to boost their own perceived self-worth, which is actually quite low. More so, lack of empathy sits as a core component in the inability to understand or care about other people's feelings and perspectives. Without the skill or desire to "put themselves in another person's shoes," an individual will naturally prioritize their own needs and concerns and not. Think about others.

The Bible's antidote to overcoming self-centeredness is quite simple and easy to embrace. It starts with embracing humility, seeing others as more important than yourself and valuing them over your own interests. I know to some, this looks like a tall order. Practice love and service, love is defined as not being self-seeking, irritable, or proud. Serve others selflessly and be generous, focusing on the common good. You must practice daily self denial by following Christ's example. This involves a daily commitment to prioritize God's will and the needs of others, taking up your cross and following Jesus' example of self-emptying love. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Matt. 16:24-26.

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” Rom. 12:10.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, I come before you today, Please forgive me for prioritizing my own needs and interests at the expense of others. Help me to see where I have been self-deceived, and to root out any prideful attitudes in my life. I want to be a vessel for Your work and to live a life that is not self-serving. Please give me the strength to become more unselfish and to eliminate my selfishness so that You can work through me. Remind me that You are in charge, when I am tempted to be selfish, in the mighty name of Jesus.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

John. 7:1-53.

John. 8:1-59.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Small Minds Are Self Centered, Great Minds Are God Centered. Who You Centre On, Determine Your Outcome.”