You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. --Ephesians 4:22-24
British actor Michael Wilding (1912-1979) was once asked if celebrities had any traits which set them apart from other human beings.
He replied, "Without a doubt. You can pick out actors by the glazed look that comes into their eyes when the conversation wanders away from themselves."
Wilding's theory is certainly true, but this self-centered trait has existed in all people since the beginning of time due to our inherently sinful nature from birth to death.
For the believer, we must understand that self-centeredness is sin. The Bible says, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24).
Our sinful nature causes us to automatically be self-focused and concerned with our own interests before those of others. But the Bible says this focus inward is from the world (1 John 2:16).
Certainly each person is a unique individual in the sight of our Creator, for He made you in His own image. But when your individuality, a gift from God, is turned inward, it becomes the source of sin, and is the obstacle which stands in the way of holiness.
The Bible says, "If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil" (James 3:14-15) and ultimately leads to destruction (Philippians 3:19).
If you recognize that self-centeredness has crept into your heart and mind, then ask for God's forgiveness, begin trusting Him with your innermost being, and throw off all worldliness. When you do this, His purposes will become the driving force in your life.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would remove any self-centeredness from your heart. Commit to Him your focus and desires going forward in your spiritual walk with Him.
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