THE SIN OF EXALTING SELF

It is so difficult in the midst of selfish society to rear a generation of people who put others first. In the very practical
chapter of Romans 12, we are told to "esteem others better than yourselves." If we ever arrive in emulating Jesus, we will have "the mind of Christ" (Phil. 2:5) and the world will be a better place. "For thou art my Rock and my Fortress; Therefore for Thy name's sake lead me and guide me" (Psa. 31:3). Most problems in the church, in the world and in our homes can be traced to a self-centered desire to "do it my way," as a popular song of 1970 stated. Harmony and peace emanate from a desire to please God and to serve our fellow men. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace' (Jas. 3:17,18).

Jesus said, "I am come down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me" (Jno. 6:38). Christians should always surround their earthly pilgrimage with the attitude, "If the Lord wills" (Jas. 4:15). We dare not try to worship ourselves, but rather we should glorify God. A clever writer reminds us of a salient point, "Men are not masters of this planet -- we are only guests." When we strive to occupy the pedestal which belongs to the Creator, we can easily fall into disgrace for such folly. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: Form whence shall my help come? My help cometh from Jehovah, Who made heaven and earth" (Psa. 121:1,2).

The Scriptures will keep us thoroughly honest in regards to evaluation of self and others in our relationship with the
Almighty. In Matt. 22:36-40, the Lord Jesus teaches us to love God supremely, and then others and then self -- in that order. Our Savior came to earth to display humility, sincerity and loyalty to the heavenly Father. There is nothing farther from the proper attitude before God than arrogance, human pride and selfish endeavors. Christ humbled Himself and was willing to die on the cross to save even those who were crucfying Him! How could we be selfishly oriented when the source of every generous blessing comes from above?

God Protects Us From:
Ourselves -- 2 Cor. 3:5.
Satan -- 1 Pet. 5:8,9.
Sin -- Rom. 6:23.
Mediocrity -- Heb. 5:12 - 6:1
Fear -- 2 Tim. 1:7.
Burdens -- Heb. 13:5,6.
Gloom of Death -- 1 Cor. 15:54-58.
Pessimism -- Phil. 4:11,13,19.

A terrific and majestic hymn reminds us: Into the heart of Jesus, Deeper and deeper I go, Longing to know the reason Why He should love me so.

The goodness of God (Rom. 2:4) ought to cause us always to be humbly grateful and never to be grumbly hateful!

By Johnny Ramsey in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 54, No. 47, Nov. 25, 2005.

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