The Deception of the Self-Serving Life

"Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."  -Ephesians 2:3

Recently, there has been a notion or belief going around that it is better to put ourselves first; to be self-seekers. But, for Christians, especially, this goes against everything that Jesus Christ instructed (Romans 2:8).

Just take a look at some of the things we do in our own lives. Can we honestly say that these are done for the Lord? I am guessing that not too many hands would be raised here!

It's hard to not follow or chase after our own selfish pleasures, I totally get it. But, as mentioned above, being a "self-seeker" is not true to being a Christian (Isaiah 56:11). We are missing the whole point if we continue to follow that path.

Living for ourselves, or living to satisfy our own indulgences (of which there are many), diverts our attention from what our true objective should be: to do the will of God. This includes placing ourselves at his mercy.

Now, some might take all of this to mean that we should lead boring, unfulfilled lives. Nothing could be further from the truth! We just need to keep it all in perspective. Our words and actions should match our intentions and obligations to God (Philippians 2:21).

It's not too difficult to get swept up in the false presumption that we should come first; whether it be personal, country, or whatever. In God's eyes, all that matters is the relationship between us and Him. He is a jealous God, and will not be second to anything or anyone! (Exodus 20:5)

Though some Christians may be weaker than others, vary in size, abilities, anxieties, etc., they all belong to the Lord.  In the end, whether alive or dead, it matters not, we always belong to the Lord (Romans 4:25). 

Our contemplating, serving, and subjecting ourselves to God, results in us being owned and accepted by Him. God isn't asking for the impossible from us, He only desires what is rightfully his. (Romans 14:7,8)

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Colossians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Leviticus 19:18; Romans 8:11 

Prayer: Dear God, You were delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification; at the very least, our hearts and minds should be consistently focused on You. May mine always be so, amen.

God bless you, 

Lauren