So now that
we know we are vessels (Ac. 9:15; 2Tm. 2:20) in this life, fashioned by the
Master’s hands (Gen. 2:7), we have to decide if we are going to live this life
for ourselves- which means we remain in the world, or live for God- which means
emptying that part of ourselves which seeks our own desires, passions and
pleasures above God’s will for us. We
don’t get rid of the part that makes us who we are, but that part which puts
self first instead of God.
Self desires
and such are not totally wrong. It’s not
wicked to want to get married and have kids, but is that God’s will for us, or
our own? Wanting to be a doctor, pastor
or worship leader are good desires, but still, not necessarily what God wants
for us. Certainly, we can find a degree
of happiness doing our own thing and allowing God to move in just a part of our
life. Perhaps we are satisfied with
that, and if you are, I guess you should continue as usual.
But if there
is a part of you that hungers for more, that remains unsatisfied in fleshly or
spiritual life, then choose change.
Choose to empty yourself of that part which keeps God’s fullness out. I’ve never felt more alive than in the past
few years as I strove to be closer to the Lord; but this- this is
incredible. I only wish I’d done this
sooner. His presence, His Spirit is an
amazing gift that Jesus left to send to us, to dwell with us. Do we want just a little part of Him, or His
life in us overflowing? I choose the
latter.
Proof that flesh, self and pride need to be gotten rid of:
The flesh-
carrying out of the desires, passions of the body and mind (Eph. 2:3; Gal. 5:24)
---Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Mt. 26:41
---For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in
my flesh... Rom. 7:18 (all ESV)
---For those who live according to the flesh set their
minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit
set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Rom. 8:5
---For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to
God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Rom. 8:7
---For if you live according to the flesh you will die,
but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will
live. Rom. 8:13
---But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify
the desires of the flesh. -----For the desires of the flesh are against the
Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are
opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Gal. 5:16,17
Self- signifies
own personal interest, or love of private interest; selfishness. (Webster’s)
---And he said to all, "If anyone would come after
me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Lk. 9:23
---We know that our old self was crucified with him in
order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no
longer be enslaved to sin. Rom. 6:6
---to put off your old self, which belongs to your former
manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, Eph. 4:22
---but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she
lives. 1Tm. 5:6
---training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly
passions… Tt. 2:12
---…selfish
ambition in your hearts… is earthly,
unspiritual, demonic. Jm. 3:14,15
Pride-
that which appeals to man’s ego, pride of what one has or is
---…and you
will be like God… Gen. 3:5
---For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money,
proud, arrogant… 2Tm. 3:2
---…God opposes
the proud… 1Pt. 5:5
---For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh
and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is
from the world. 1Jh. 2:16
---…Therefore
whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Jm. 4:4
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles
to abstain from the passions of the flesh,
which wage war against your soul.
1Pt. 2:11
To life, to love, to liberty in You,
Thank You Lord for opening my eyes
to the truth!