Yesterday we discussed self-centeredness. Today we are going to look at how a person gets to the point of being self-centered. I don't think any of us wake up and say, "I am going to be self-centered today". But over time, foolish habits can lead to a foolish way of life.
When someone is wicked, what is their agenda? Self-promotion. Self this. Self that. Anything to make themselves feel better. Verses 3-5 points to these selfish roots of wickedness but the clue is in verse 4. Do you see it? It's the heart. When our hearts are full of God's love it gushes out in an ever-flowing stream. We become uplifting to others. Our attention is brought away from ourselves and our focus is on others.
A couple of warnings here: Just because someone is actively involved in serving, it doesn't mean that they are not self-serving. There are plenty of modern day Pharisees. Also, some people are self-absorbed without meaning to be. Perhaps a past hurt has made them this way. They need time to heal and time to be lovingly shown how to move on so they can become active members of the body again. (Kind of reminds me of having a broken arm.) Of course, once the arm is healed, it is time to use it again. No wallowing around in self-pity.
Final thoughts for self examination:
1) Does God's love flow---no, rather does it gush out of you?
2) Do you have Pharisee-like tendencies at times? Do you serve for YOU or for Others?
3) If you need to be healed, seek out what you need. If you are healed, then are you hanging onto that self pity instead of being an active member of the body?
This is really following along on the post from yesterday. Perhaps instead of having my work for the Lord be notes to shut ins, prayer, and such, maybe I need to try again to find a local church and serve. It will be hard, but I will search. :)
ReplyDeleteBeing an active member of the body... what a thought provoking question. Can we do that if we aren't a member of a church? Or an active member? I think so, but I also believe that God created these "gatherings" because he wanted us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. I have to admit, I have been pretty lax in my attendance lately. I'm going to have to step up my game in that regard.
ReplyDeleteAnd being a part of that group gathering, doesn't necessarily mean you have to join every ministry. Sometimes just being a part of the group, sometimes sitting beside someone who is alone, sometimes just being able to voice your prayer requests and in turn pray for the other requests you hear, are ministries in themselves.
I agree Tonya. There are some I know, who truly want to do God's work for His glory. There are others who sort of do, but they like being in the limelight and into everything.
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