I don't really want to debate about this, I just wonder what opinions are. I think that behind every "type" of sin (hatred, fear, worry, doubt,lying, etc.) self-love (or what I call pride) is behind it all. I tend to think it all springs from "I think I am the center of the universe, don't cross me," type thing. I think we were born in sin thinking this way (those of you with children, look at them, it is evident).
For example, if I lie to someone and tell them that my hair is my natural color, I have the motive of wanting people to think I am what I view as perfect. It boosts my ego, pets my pride. That is a silly example, but it is true. I think as small and minute it gets (the sin) the more it points to the self love that is behind it all.
Look at Satan.
Look at Eve who, at the prospect of being like God if she ate the fruit disobeyed. Disobedience springs from self-love. "Don't tell me what to do, I know better!"
Whenever I say this to someone (and I have not said it much) they always seem surprised. What is so radical about that? Mindi, I know you have a ton of wisdom on this! Take it on! :)
Green Cathedral
Madness in a high-ceilinged building.
Followers
People in my Holy Place
The Professor----Formerly known as Dear Sir, my husband, the man of the house
The Oldest----Known in younger years as Mickey Mouse, and now he is embracing adulthood by being over 18.
Eraser Eater----Well-known for his old habit of eating erasers and whining about ridiculous things. Now he eats Tabasco sauce and says little in his 15 years.
The Girl---The one who is still more mature than I am at 13.
The Oldest----Known in younger years as Mickey Mouse, and now he is embracing adulthood by being over 18.
Eraser Eater----Well-known for his old habit of eating erasers and whining about ridiculous things. Now he eats Tabasco sauce and says little in his 15 years.
The Girl---The one who is still more mature than I am at 13.
About Me
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2 comments:
After that stunning endorsement, I really wish I had something to say.
I am hobbling around at the moment in self pity because I was stung at what happened to me in a church meeting Tuesday night. You would think I would be over it by now, but instead, I am marinating in it, or should I say reeking of it? The funny thing is that the purpose of the meeting was to settle offenses, and I came away more wounded than when I went in. I have asked to meet again with the individual who left his sword in my back. I hate dealing with offenses.
In the past, I would rather nurse a really delicious grudge by showing the mental video to myself dozens (hundreds?) of times. Now I have to admit that I really wanted reconciliation, and it seems to have eluded me. When I humbled myself by trying to do the right thing, I wanted everyone to salute, or at least cheer a little. That didn't happen.
I think that you are probably right on all counts, if you define self love as elevation of self, or finding my self worth in the works of the flesh, rather than in God's estimation of my worth.
It is so hard to have someone hurl insults at you. It really stinks, actually. Why we in the body of Christ wish to hurt each other is beyond me, but I suppose that is the effects of sin and that is why we have the Bible to guide us away from acting so stupid. I am sorry that happened to you. I will pray.
I get to the point that I can't remember a really horrible thing anyone says to me because I get so forgetful and I don't ever stay mad. I wish I could. I have tried before, but for some reason it dissipates and then I can't remember what I was mad over. I know it may sound ok, but really it is a frustrating thing. This also has many negative effects, like letting things "gloss over" when they should be dealt with and also accepting abuse from people when I should stand up.
Yes, when you wish for reconciliation and go through the motions of humbling yourself to do so, it seems like when it does happen no one cares. I guess it gets too boring by then, huh? That is crazy.
yes, I think your last paragraph is good. If we look at our worth in Christ, we are worth so much more than what the world would view us even if we were, say, Bill Gates or something. But it is hard to get away from our own self-interest (worldy) and it is hard to try to not incorporate that in our spiritual lives. I find that when I think I am being humble I am in fact taking pride or that when I think of what a nice gesture I did I am patting myself on the back when I should just not think of myself at all.
As Keith Green so wonderfully put it, "But it's so hard to see when my eyes are on me..."
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