I remember going forward to the altar for prayer one Sunday after a sermon. This was years ago, and I was one of many impacted by the sermon. As I slipped out of my seat and started down the aisle, I became painfully aware of myself. I felt like everyone was looking at me, focusing on every move, judging my motives, and analyzing how I was dressed. I felt like a giant, green, SHREK.
It’s pretty ridiculous how much I obsess about myself. It doesn’t matter if I’m feeling confident or unconfident. Either way, I’m probably thinking about me. Honestly, it’s a dangerous waste of life.
There’s a tiny but life-changing book I just finished reading. It’s called “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness; the Path to True Christian Joy” by Timothy Keller. In the book, Keller dissects Paul’s message in 1 Cor 3:21 – 4:7, and all the dangers of our swollen egos.
Keller says, “True gospel humility means I stop connecting every experience and every conversation, with myself. In fact, I stop thinking about myself.” If I’m deeply committed to God and His purposes, my ego should not draw attention to itself. My focus is not on me or others. Jesus is the focus.
A person who has died due to his or her sinful nature takes on the identity of Jesus. Then, the obsession with personal well-being is changed to an obsession with Jesus. This transition is one to pursue.
The Message, Romans 8:7, offers a poignant truth, “Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self, ignores God and ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing.”
~ Leah Burnett
Christ Fellowship