The Self Life
by Doug Runtz
Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
1 Samuel 16:7b "man looks at the outward appearance but God looks on the heart."
The biggest barrier to walking in the Spirit is dying to self. This is a daily process of sanctification. It is taking every thought captive. John the Baptist said, "I must decrease; He must increase".
Self can show up in so many was as we continue our journey in Christ. Satan is angry and will try anything in his power to to have us attempt to usurp the authority of God in our lives as believers. The evidence of how self is seen can often be so subtle and insidious. As Christians we often ignore it or just plain don't recognize it when it rears its ugly head. Pride and Self are rally synonymous.
Just a few areas of self: Superior attitude, Controlling, Fear of man, Resentment, Manipulating
There are times I wonder if people who are talking and praying for revival truly know what they are asking for. Hey, do I think I couldn't be one of them … think again! Many Christian leaders, perhaps even the "Old Guard", can so easily fall into the trap of control and manipulation. What! So it's not limited to unbelievers? It's pride and self again. I have seen some rather controlling individuals when it comes to doing things their way. You must fit into their way of thinking. Your outward appearance must meet their standards as well. They will try to manipulate people into doing things because "that way has always worked and it is expected". They will not stand up for someone, but would rather stay silent for fear of how they might look. Or perhaps they will hold their criticism and express it with a poison tongue or pen to others to justify themselves.
What prevents me from letting go of things and thoughts I hang on to? Why will I not step out in faith and obedience to what God calls me to? Why do I leave so many things undone that I know I should do?
So now that I have expressed my views, am I willing to verbalize them or put them in print? If so, what is my motivation? Do they come from pure thoughts or self-righteous indignation? Am I afraid to express myself?
You see what I mean? It all comes back to self on the throne instead of Christ. Are you tired of the "old man"? Thanks be to God for the Holy Spirit who enables us to conquer the self life daily!
Thank you Lord that we can always return to the Cross. This is where the rubber of Revival meets the road.
Be the first to react on this!
