This lesson is about a few of what we call “self-itis” issues.
We have all heard people say about others “they are their own worst enemy” referring to decisions they make, their tendency to get “into trouble” and other personal traits. And this certainly can be true.
These problems with “self” are injurious to us in two ways.
They can harm or destroy our relationships with others. And they hinder our relationship with God and can even draw us away from Him.
In fact, “self” in different ways, can truly be the greatest barrier to God.
In this lesson, we want to encourage taking inventory of our lives to see if any of the following are characteristic of us.
Are we self-centered?
Are we self-important?
Are we full of self-glory or pride?
Are we self-righteous?
Are we selfish or greedy?
Doing a self-inventory can be valuable, but only if we do it honestly and in prayer. And not afraid of the results.
Self-Centeredness
If we are self-centered, we display an excessive focus on ourselves and our needs, desires, and interests. This is often done to the exclusion or neglect of the needs and feelings of others.
We then tend to prioritize our wants and concerns over those of others, and may display a lack of consideration, or understanding toward others' perspectives and emotions.
The self-centered tend to view everything as being “all about them.”
2 Timothy 3:2-4 Amplified Bible
2 For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 3 [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Self -Importance
If we display self-importance, we have an inflated sense of our own importance, abilities, or achievements. If a real problem, it can be associated with narcissistic traits and a lack of empathy towards others.
Individuals with high levels of self-importance may seek excessive admiration, exploit others for personal gain, and have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.
Individuals who feel “self-important” generally feel entitled.
Proverbs 29:23 Amplified Bible
23 A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down,
But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 11:2 Amplified Bible
2 When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame,
But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind.
Self- Glory or Pride
Self-glory refers to the act of seeking personal honor, praise, or recognition, often at the expense of humility and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It is characterized by pride and a desire for self-exaltation, contrary to the biblical call for humility and the glorification of God alone.
Those who revel in self-glory need exaltation or lifting up and humility is far from them.
1 Peter 5:6 Amplified Bible
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,
1 John 2:16 Amplified Bible
16 For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world.
Self -Righteousness
Self-righteousness is the belief in one’s own moral superiority, and is often seen as a smug or intolerant attitude towards others and their beliefs and behavior. We’ve all heard the expression that someone acts “holier than thou” and this would be evident in the life of the self-righteous person.
Along with displaying moral superiority, there is generally a judgmental nature, which leads to criticizing and judging others.
Plus, for the self-righteous person it is difficult to admit mistakes or wrongdoing and accepting other’s opinions or beliefs.
Please read the parable of the pharisee and publican in prayer.
Matthew 23:25 Amplified Bible
25 “Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and robbery and self-indulgence (unrestrained greed).
1 Peter 5:6 Amplified Bible
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,
Mark 7:21-23 Amplified Bible
21 For from within, [that is] out the heart of men, come base and malevolent thoughts and schemes, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 acts of greed and covetousness, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained conduct, envy and jealousy, slander and profanity, arrogance and self-righteousness and foolishness (poor judgment). 23 All these evil things [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man.”
Selfishness or Greed
Selfishness is being concerned excessively or exclusively for oneself or one's own advantage, pleasure, or welfare, regardless of others.
Helping others in need would be difficult if not impossible for the selfish person.
Greed and selfishness are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Greed is the insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others.
The greedy always want more, no matter what they might have. This also leads to being not willing to help others and part with one’s holdings.
Philippians 2:3 Amplified Bible
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.
Romans 2:8 Amplified Bible
8 But for those who are selfishly ambitious and self-seeking and disobedient to the truth but responsive to wickedness, [there will be] wrath and indignation.
James 3:16 Amplified Bible
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.
Conclusion—Jesus is our Example and Guide
As we think about the dangers of “self” let us look at the life of Jesus as our guide.
If anyone should have felt entitled in any way, it would have been our Lord.
But He chose to appear to us as a humble person of low estate. He was selfless. HE is our example and scriptures tell us that we are to grow into His likeness.
Jesus came to SERVE and not be SERVED.
After going through the exercise of “self” inventory, let us strive to live so that others will see the teachings of Jesus in our words and actions.
Let us strive to live selfless lives as much as possible. And let us strive to be humble in nature, never thinking more of ourselves than we ought.
As with all things, Jesus is our guide and example!
Mark 10:45 Amplified Bible
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a [a]ransom for many.”
Ephesians 4:24 Amplified Bible
24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].
RVH