The All Powerful Self

Posted on by Chris G Thelen

Self is a powerful thing. It can puff us up and make us feel self righteous. It can inflate our ego to the point of self worship. It can beat others down to raise us up. Self can drive us to do things that solely benefit us. Self is a ravenous beast that is never satisfied.

It seems everyday I am fighting my self. Like a selfie picture, the camera seems to always be turned on me instead of others. But there is one aspect of my self focus that did not occur to me until I read Job 40:8: “Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified (NASB)?”

When I build up myself at the expense of God’s way and his truth, I am in essence discrediting his judgement. When I seek to justify myself I am denouncing God. My testimony for Jesus in my life is diluted, weakened for the sake of self promotion. While it is important to take care of ourselves — our emotional and physical wellbeing — we need to pray for God’s wisdom to help us avoid placing self and our interests above God.

© 2020 CGThelen

8 thoughts on “The All Powerful Self”

  1. Totally agree, self is my biggest enemy. I remember living in Papua New Guinea and was so sick from heat rash I really thought I was going to have to go home. We bought an aircon for our bedroom so I could lay down in the hottest part of the day so my itching would subside. It was exactly what I needed to make it. We stayed seven years and my heart finally did leave with the help of a half-hour in a room with air-con. My anxiety level was so high due to the frustration of the heat rash the doctor was afraid I would have a stroke. I am grateful for the wisdom of the Lord and the strength to step outside the norm to take care of myself. Each set of issues must be dealt with discernment and wisdom. Good question.

    1. Thank you for sharing your story. A powerful reminder to remain focused on God and His plan for our life no matter how difficult things are. I am grateful you found strength in the Lord. Praise God for air conditioning. Blessings to you.

  2. Pingback: The All Powerful Self — 140 Character Christian – quietmomentswithgod

  4. God wants what is best for us and often knows us better than we know ourselves. We are blessed when we put Him first, because He loves us ❤️.

    I think what I struggle with is how to take care of myself and not always be on an empty tank, by setting boundaries and addressing personal needs, but not letting that be a selfish thing, rather something that helps me become more like Him.

    1. Self care is important. We can’t help others if our tank is empty. I agree that it’s important to take time for yourself, to refill your tank, before it’s depleted. It’s a difficult balance that requires wisdom and discernment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
      Blessings.

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