Self

Written By Susan Dewbrew

Daily Vitamin

Self — “Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what He is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored. (Rom 8:5-8, Message Bible)

We are so obsessed with self that we often forget about others, let alone Daddy God, Jesus and Holy Spirit! We were created in Their likeness — to be like Them. Sometimes, even while worshipping, we end up focusing on ourself.

“Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let His mindset become yours. (Phil 2:3-5, TPT)

I’m not saying don’t take care of yourself, for we are the temple. (1 Cor.16:19) What I am saying is that we should not become so obsessed our own interests that we end up worshipping ourselves instead of Daddy God!

Let’s Pray:

Daddy God, help us break free from the obsession with self that has become such a trap in our culture! Deliver us from measuring our own moral muscle instead of trusting Your action in us. Help us focus our attention on You, which leads us into a spacious, free life. Break off every pride-filled opinion and self-promotion that harms unity. Give us the mindset of Jesus who put others first and viewed others as more important than Himself. Help us care for ourselves as Your temple while not worshipping ourselves instead of You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection Questions

  • Are you obsessed with measuring your moral muscle, or trusting God's action in you?

  • What self-promoting attitudes or pride-filled opinions do you need to abandon?

  • How can you cultivate greater concern for what matters to others?

  • Where might you be ignoring God through self-absorption?

Be a Blessing,

Sir Gregory,

#KingdomBrewing

#RenaissancePeople

#BlindSpot

Susan Dewbrew
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