Relationships suck the joy out of your life when one of the participants is narcissistic. Don’t they? The other person has only one interest, themselves. They don’t even ask you how you’re doing. They don’t want to know anything about your life. And if the conversation does finally come back to you, they quickly change the subject. What is wrong with this picture? We all have the friend who talks, and talks, and talks about all they are doing and never asks how you feel. They never want to know how they can help. The Bible calls this kind of puffed up personal patronage, mental assent. God has dealt with this since…well since Lucifer tried taking over. You want to talk about towering ego? Whoa. Look at this verse.
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:12-14
Today’s Characteristic of the Love of God is;
“Seeketh not her own.”
The verse in Isaiah is the best example of this, but let’s look at the literal translation according to usage before we go on.
“Do not strive primarily for your own interest or advantage in situations. Do not live in “mesville,” looking out only for number one. Don’t let your life’s song be “I did It My Way,” but rather, “I Did It God’s Way.” (CLT)
This characteristic is easy to spot in others, but don’t we also do it in ourselves? Let’s pan to some real life action.
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5.
If God put it in the Word then it must be available! How do we do that? “Mesville” is a nice place to visit, but don’t move there. God has far more blessings in-store for the person is willing to ask Him.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
The world is full of people looking out for number one. We’ve all learned from a young age not trust anyone! Right? How do I know I can trust God? Well, He went on to explain why you should.
“It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” vs. 8
Where is your blood made? Your bones. Where were you first connected to life? Your navel/umbilical cord. That pretty much includes your whole health and well-being from the beginning up until now. Wow. Since we are body soul and spirit and that verse covers the body, what about soul? God has instructions for that too. In verse 9.
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:” vs. 9
Give…okay. What’s in it for me?
“So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” vs. 10
I don’t need new wine…
Apply that to your financial situation. Could you handle your checkbook bursting with new “wine” ca-ching? Wow, what a blessing!
Okay Terri, you got me on my body, and my soul, but what’s in it for my spirit?
Just keep reading…
“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth. Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace.” vs. 11-17
Isn’t wisdom what God first asked, in verse 5, that you to trust Him for? Isn’t God, Spirit?
We want to do it our way and see how it works out don’t we? Or, we let our fears talk us out of believing God’s truth. Isn’t that just another way of seeking your own? God wants to bless us, but first we have to let go of all the old habit patterns of thinking. The fear, the doubts, and the worry. Yes, fear is prideful and self-centered? Why? Because we allow it to build “imaginations and every high thing” in our minds “against the knowledge and wisdom of God.” Where is your focus when you worry, or fear?
“There is no fear in love (agape); but perfect love (mature agape) casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect (mature) in love.” 1 John 4:18
Like I said, mesville is a nice place to visit, but frankly, it’s over populated with tormented fearful people living on the devil’s terms. God doesn’t want that for you. Instead He wants;
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.” John 10:10b
God bless you today!
To Read earlier posts click below;
:001 Look With Me, Closely
:002 What is God Like?
:003 Harvesting Patience
:004 What is the Antidote to Bitterness?
:005 How To: Fight Jealousy
:006 Would it Annoy You Like It Does God?
:007 Should We Bless or Impress?
:008 Have You Ever Said This?
