Randy Green's Blog - Posts Tagged "egocentric"
MachoMan vs. GodMan
You may say in your heart, "My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth." But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth [Deuteronomy 8:17-18].
The first sentence of that quotation (v.17) expresses the words of the natural man, the person who was born a sinner. Such a one is egocentric, which means his life and world revolve around himself. He is a self-made man, you see. Nobody ever gave him anything. He worked hard all his life to get to where he is at.
The second sentence of the quotation (v.18) reveals the spiritual man, the person who was reborn a saint. Such a one is christocentric, which means his life and world revolve around Christ. He is a remade man. Whatever he achieves is God's blessing to him, not his own goodness or strength.
The way to understand Christ and what He wants with us individually can only come via the Bible. And we need the Holy Spirit to teach it to us personally. This scenario is known as quiet time alone with the Lord. It should be the Christian's standard daily exercise regimen. Spiritual maturity is not possible without it.
This Thanksgiving let's thank the Lord Jesus, the GodMan, for all the blessings He's given us. Let us not take the glory to ourselves by claiming to be Mr. MachoMan.
The first sentence of that quotation (v.17) expresses the words of the natural man, the person who was born a sinner. Such a one is egocentric, which means his life and world revolve around himself. He is a self-made man, you see. Nobody ever gave him anything. He worked hard all his life to get to where he is at.
The second sentence of the quotation (v.18) reveals the spiritual man, the person who was reborn a saint. Such a one is christocentric, which means his life and world revolve around Christ. He is a remade man. Whatever he achieves is God's blessing to him, not his own goodness or strength.
The way to understand Christ and what He wants with us individually can only come via the Bible. And we need the Holy Spirit to teach it to us personally. This scenario is known as quiet time alone with the Lord. It should be the Christian's standard daily exercise regimen. Spiritual maturity is not possible without it.
This Thanksgiving let's thank the Lord Jesus, the GodMan, for all the blessings He's given us. Let us not take the glory to ourselves by claiming to be Mr. MachoMan.
Narcissus Returns!
I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: there is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin [Psalm 36:1-2, NIV].
Egocentrism vs. theocentrism. Big words which express a lot. Oftentimes we use a lot of words to say nothing. On rare occasions we hear a lot of meaningful teaching in a few scant words. The second case applies to our big words here.
“Centrism” refers to what is at the center of attention, what is being focused upon. “Ego” is the Greek 1st person singular personal pronoun “I”. “Theo” is the Greek word for “God”. So “egocentrism” means “I” am at the center of the universe: everything revolves around me. “Theocentrism” means “God” is the center of my universe: my life and everything else revolves around Him.
God created man to be theocentric. He made us to desire fellowship with Him, as He does with us. Sin marred man’s makeup, leaving us in opposition to God. We want nothing to do with the real God, only with a god made in our own image. Consequently I want to be in control. I want to be the center of the universe and have everyone and everything revolve around me.
This is what the Psalmist taught in the verses we quoted at the outset of this study. How do we explain the sinfulness of the wicked? Left to ourselves we cannot. All we can do is theorize some psychobabble or whatnot. We need the omniscient God, man’s Creator, to explain us to us. Listen to His explanation of the sinfulness of the wicked.
• there is no fear of God before their eyes
• in their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin
Those two depictions go hand in glove. They are two peas in a pod, two sides of the same coin. Ask yourself the question, “Why do the wicked not fear God?” The answer is, “They flatter themselves to such an extent, that they are self-righteous. They can do no wrong. Whatever goes wrong is somebody else’s fault, including God’s. They are so full of themselves that even God must feel honored to know them!”
Isn’t it obvious that such a state of affairs leaves no room for God? How can anyone fear God when they are superior to God? If the entire universe and all it contains revolves around li’l ol’ me, how insignificant then is God? No wonder such a one cannot fear God. He is Narcissus! He is so in love with himself that he cannot even imagine he has need for improvement, much less recognize outright sin in his life.
Have you noticed in our contemporary anti-christ society how nearly universal it is to witness this mentality in people, at least to one extent or another? Relationships like marriage and family are in the gutter because communication barely exists between us anymore. All of us are busy seeking our own good, and we think we are without fault in doing so. We have our rights, you see, and no one had better dare infringe on them in any way. How inconvenient that would be!
Once upon a time not so long ago in a not faraway world, we used to regularly hear about our responsibilities. Meeting them was evidence of adulthood. It was honorable. My, my, but we’ve come a long way, baby! Nowadays talk about responsibilities is taboo and the person brash enough to do so is pilloried and ostracized.
Using the Word of God as our measuring stick for right and wrong, and specifically the quoted verses we are studying, what does this reveal about us and our society today? Hint, hint, it’s not good! The word “wicked” comes to mind, also “egocentric” and “self-flatterer”. Oh, and let’s not leave off the word “sin”.
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer with Bible now, asking Him to pinpoint any of these tendencies in us. Let’s learn under His tutelage to cultivate a penchant for analyzing our own motives and behaviors, rather than everybody else’s. We will be better people for it, more Christlike in every way as contrasted with more antichrist-like. Isn’t this what we should want?
So let’s not whine about our toes being stepped on or our fur rubbed the wrong way. By all means, dear Jesus, stomp and rub until we have had our fill of sin, then repent and turn to you for a new beginning. In Christ’s name.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
Egocentrism vs. theocentrism. Big words which express a lot. Oftentimes we use a lot of words to say nothing. On rare occasions we hear a lot of meaningful teaching in a few scant words. The second case applies to our big words here.
“Centrism” refers to what is at the center of attention, what is being focused upon. “Ego” is the Greek 1st person singular personal pronoun “I”. “Theo” is the Greek word for “God”. So “egocentrism” means “I” am at the center of the universe: everything revolves around me. “Theocentrism” means “God” is the center of my universe: my life and everything else revolves around Him.
God created man to be theocentric. He made us to desire fellowship with Him, as He does with us. Sin marred man’s makeup, leaving us in opposition to God. We want nothing to do with the real God, only with a god made in our own image. Consequently I want to be in control. I want to be the center of the universe and have everyone and everything revolve around me.
This is what the Psalmist taught in the verses we quoted at the outset of this study. How do we explain the sinfulness of the wicked? Left to ourselves we cannot. All we can do is theorize some psychobabble or whatnot. We need the omniscient God, man’s Creator, to explain us to us. Listen to His explanation of the sinfulness of the wicked.
• there is no fear of God before their eyes
• in their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin
Those two depictions go hand in glove. They are two peas in a pod, two sides of the same coin. Ask yourself the question, “Why do the wicked not fear God?” The answer is, “They flatter themselves to such an extent, that they are self-righteous. They can do no wrong. Whatever goes wrong is somebody else’s fault, including God’s. They are so full of themselves that even God must feel honored to know them!”
Isn’t it obvious that such a state of affairs leaves no room for God? How can anyone fear God when they are superior to God? If the entire universe and all it contains revolves around li’l ol’ me, how insignificant then is God? No wonder such a one cannot fear God. He is Narcissus! He is so in love with himself that he cannot even imagine he has need for improvement, much less recognize outright sin in his life.
Have you noticed in our contemporary anti-christ society how nearly universal it is to witness this mentality in people, at least to one extent or another? Relationships like marriage and family are in the gutter because communication barely exists between us anymore. All of us are busy seeking our own good, and we think we are without fault in doing so. We have our rights, you see, and no one had better dare infringe on them in any way. How inconvenient that would be!
Once upon a time not so long ago in a not faraway world, we used to regularly hear about our responsibilities. Meeting them was evidence of adulthood. It was honorable. My, my, but we’ve come a long way, baby! Nowadays talk about responsibilities is taboo and the person brash enough to do so is pilloried and ostracized.
Using the Word of God as our measuring stick for right and wrong, and specifically the quoted verses we are studying, what does this reveal about us and our society today? Hint, hint, it’s not good! The word “wicked” comes to mind, also “egocentric” and “self-flatterer”. Oh, and let’s not leave off the word “sin”.
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer with Bible now, asking Him to pinpoint any of these tendencies in us. Let’s learn under His tutelage to cultivate a penchant for analyzing our own motives and behaviors, rather than everybody else’s. We will be better people for it, more Christlike in every way as contrasted with more antichrist-like. Isn’t this what we should want?
So let’s not whine about our toes being stepped on or our fur rubbed the wrong way. By all means, dear Jesus, stomp and rub until we have had our fill of sin, then repent and turn to you for a new beginning. In Christ’s name.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005PJ761C
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
MachoMan vs. GodMan
You may say in your heart, "My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth." But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth [Deuteronomy 8:17-18].
The first sentence of that quotation (v.17) expresses the words of the natural man, the person who was born a sinner. Such a one is egocentric, which means his life and world revolve around himself. He is a self-made man, you see. Nobody ever gave him anything. He worked hard all his life to get to where he is at.
The second sentence of the quotation (v.18) reveals the spiritual man, the person who was reborn a saint. Such a one is Christocentric, which means his life and world revolve around Christ. He is a remade man. Whatever he achieves is God's blessing to him, not his own goodness or strength.
The way to understand Christ and what He wants with us individually can only come via the Bible. And we need the Holy Spirit to teach it to us personally. This scenario is known as quiet time alone with the Lord. It should be the Christian's standard daily exercise regimen. Spiritual maturity is not possible without it.
This Thanksgiving let's thank the Lord Jesus, the GodMan, for all the blessings He's given us. Let us not take the glory to ourselves by claiming to be Mr. MachoMan.
The first sentence of that quotation (v.17) expresses the words of the natural man, the person who was born a sinner. Such a one is egocentric, which means his life and world revolve around himself. He is a self-made man, you see. Nobody ever gave him anything. He worked hard all his life to get to where he is at.
The second sentence of the quotation (v.18) reveals the spiritual man, the person who was reborn a saint. Such a one is Christocentric, which means his life and world revolve around Christ. He is a remade man. Whatever he achieves is God's blessing to him, not his own goodness or strength.
The way to understand Christ and what He wants with us individually can only come via the Bible. And we need the Holy Spirit to teach it to us personally. This scenario is known as quiet time alone with the Lord. It should be the Christian's standard daily exercise regimen. Spiritual maturity is not possible without it.
This Thanksgiving let's thank the Lord Jesus, the GodMan, for all the blessings He's given us. Let us not take the glory to ourselves by claiming to be Mr. MachoMan.
Narcissus Returns!
I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: there is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin [Psalm 36:1-2, NIV].
Egocentrism vs. theocentrism. Big words which express a lot. Oftentimes we use a lot of words to say nothing. On rare occasions we hear a lot of meaningful teaching in a few scant words. The second case applies to our big words here.
“Centrism” refers to what is at the center of attention, what is being focused upon. “Ego” is the Greek 1st person singular personal pronoun “I”. “Theo” is the Greek word for “God”. So “egocentrism” means “I” am at the center of the universe: everything revolves around me. “Theocentrism” means “God” is the center of my universe: my life and everything else revolves around Him.
God created man to be theocentric. He made us to desire fellowship with Him, as He does with us. Sin marred man’s makeup, leaving us in opposition to God. We want nothing to do with the real God, only with a god made in our own image. Consequently I want to be in control. I want to be the center of the universe and have everyone and everything revolve around me.
This is what the Psalmist taught in the verses we quoted at the outset of this study. How do we explain the sinfulness of the wicked? Left to ourselves we cannot. All we can do is theorize some psychobabble or whatnot. We need the omniscient God, man’s Creator, to explain us to us. Listen to His explanation of the sinfulness of the wicked.
• there is no fear of God before their eyes
• in their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin
Those two depictions go hand in glove. They are two peas in a pod, two sides of the same coin. Ask yourself the question, “Why do the wicked not fear God?” The answer is, “They flatter themselves to such an extent, that they are self-righteous. They can do no wrong. Whatever goes wrong is somebody else’s fault, including God’s. They are so full of themselves that even God must feel honored to know them!”
Isn’t it obvious that such a state of affairs leaves no room for God? How can anyone fear God when they are superior to God? If the entire universe and all it contains revolves around li’l ol’ me, how insignificant then is God? No wonder such a one cannot fear God. He is Narcissus! He is so in love with himself that he cannot even imagine he has need for improvement, much less recognize outright sin in his life.
Have you noticed in our contemporary anti-christ society how nearly universal it is to witness this mentality in people, at least to one extent or another? Relationships like marriage and family are in the gutter because communication barely exists between us anymore. All of us are busy seeking our own good, and we think we are without fault in doing so. We have our rights, you see, and no one had better dare infringe on them in any way. How inconvenient that would be!
Once upon a time not so long ago in a not faraway world, we used to regularly hear about our responsibilities. Meeting them was evidence of adulthood. It was honorable. My, my, but we’ve come a long way, baby! Nowadays talk about responsibilities is taboo and the person brash enough to do so is pilloried and ostracized.
Using the Word of God as our measuring stick for right and wrong, and specifically the quoted verses we are studying, what does this reveal about us and our society today? Hint, hint, it’s not good! The word “wicked” comes to mind, also “egocentric” and “self-flatterer”. Oh, and let’s not leave off the word “sin”.
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer with Bible now, asking Him to pinpoint any of these tendencies in us. Let’s learn under His tutelage to cultivate a penchant for analyzing our own motives and behaviors, rather than everybody else’s. We will be better people for it, more Christlike in every way as contrasted with more antichrist-like. Isn’t this what we should want?
So let’s not whine about our toes being stepped on or our fur rubbed the wrong way. By all means, dear Jesus, stomp and rub until we have had our fill of sin, then repent and turn to you for a new beginning. In Christ’s name.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
Egocentrism vs. theocentrism. Big words which express a lot. Oftentimes we use a lot of words to say nothing. On rare occasions we hear a lot of meaningful teaching in a few scant words. The second case applies to our big words here.
“Centrism” refers to what is at the center of attention, what is being focused upon. “Ego” is the Greek 1st person singular personal pronoun “I”. “Theo” is the Greek word for “God”. So “egocentrism” means “I” am at the center of the universe: everything revolves around me. “Theocentrism” means “God” is the center of my universe: my life and everything else revolves around Him.
God created man to be theocentric. He made us to desire fellowship with Him, as He does with us. Sin marred man’s makeup, leaving us in opposition to God. We want nothing to do with the real God, only with a god made in our own image. Consequently I want to be in control. I want to be the center of the universe and have everyone and everything revolve around me.
This is what the Psalmist taught in the verses we quoted at the outset of this study. How do we explain the sinfulness of the wicked? Left to ourselves we cannot. All we can do is theorize some psychobabble or whatnot. We need the omniscient God, man’s Creator, to explain us to us. Listen to His explanation of the sinfulness of the wicked.
• there is no fear of God before their eyes
• in their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin
Those two depictions go hand in glove. They are two peas in a pod, two sides of the same coin. Ask yourself the question, “Why do the wicked not fear God?” The answer is, “They flatter themselves to such an extent, that they are self-righteous. They can do no wrong. Whatever goes wrong is somebody else’s fault, including God’s. They are so full of themselves that even God must feel honored to know them!”
Isn’t it obvious that such a state of affairs leaves no room for God? How can anyone fear God when they are superior to God? If the entire universe and all it contains revolves around li’l ol’ me, how insignificant then is God? No wonder such a one cannot fear God. He is Narcissus! He is so in love with himself that he cannot even imagine he has need for improvement, much less recognize outright sin in his life.
Have you noticed in our contemporary anti-christ society how nearly universal it is to witness this mentality in people, at least to one extent or another? Relationships like marriage and family are in the gutter because communication barely exists between us anymore. All of us are busy seeking our own good, and we think we are without fault in doing so. We have our rights, you see, and no one had better dare infringe on them in any way. How inconvenient that would be!
Once upon a time not so long ago in a not faraway world, we used to regularly hear about our responsibilities. Meeting them was evidence of adulthood. It was honorable. My, my, but we’ve come a long way, baby! Nowadays talk about responsibilities is taboo and the person brash enough to do so is pilloried and ostracized.
Using the Word of God as our measuring stick for right and wrong, and specifically the quoted verses we are studying, what does this reveal about us and our society today? Hint, hint, it’s not good! The word “wicked” comes to mind, also “egocentric” and “self-flatterer”. Oh, and let’s not leave off the word “sin”.
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer with Bible now, asking Him to pinpoint any of these tendencies in us. Let’s learn under His tutelage to cultivate a penchant for analyzing our own motives and behaviors, rather than everybody else’s. We will be better people for it, more Christlike in every way as contrasted with more antichrist-like. Isn’t this what we should want?
So let’s not whine about our toes being stepped on or our fur rubbed the wrong way. By all means, dear Jesus, stomp and rub until we have had our fill of sin, then repent and turn to you for a new beginning. In Christ’s name.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
MachoMan vs. GodMan
You may say in your heart, "My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth." But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth [Deuteronomy 8:17-18].
The first sentence of that quotation (v.17) expresses the words of the natural man, the person who was born a sinner. Such a one is egocentric, which means his life and world revolve around himself. He is a self-made man, you see. Nobody ever gave him anything. He worked hard all his life to get to where he is at.
The second sentence of the quotation (v.18) reveals the spiritual man, the person who was reborn a saint. Such a one is Christocentric, which means his life and world revolve around Christ. He is a remade man. Whatever he achieves is God's blessing to him, not his own goodness or strength.
The way to understand Christ and what He wants with us individually can only come via the Bible. And we need the Holy Spirit to teach it to us personally. This scenario is known as quiet time alone with the Lord. It should be the Christian's standard daily exercise regimen. Spiritual maturity is not possible without it.
This Thanksgiving let's thank the Lord Jesus, the GodMan, for all the blessings He's given us. Let us not take the glory to ourselves by claiming to be Mr. MachoMan.
The first sentence of that quotation (v.17) expresses the words of the natural man, the person who was born a sinner. Such a one is egocentric, which means his life and world revolve around himself. He is a self-made man, you see. Nobody ever gave him anything. He worked hard all his life to get to where he is at.
The second sentence of the quotation (v.18) reveals the spiritual man, the person who was reborn a saint. Such a one is Christocentric, which means his life and world revolve around Christ. He is a remade man. Whatever he achieves is God's blessing to him, not his own goodness or strength.
The way to understand Christ and what He wants with us individually can only come via the Bible. And we need the Holy Spirit to teach it to us personally. This scenario is known as quiet time alone with the Lord. It should be the Christian's standard daily exercise regimen. Spiritual maturity is not possible without it.
This Thanksgiving let's thank the Lord Jesus, the GodMan, for all the blessings He's given us. Let us not take the glory to ourselves by claiming to be Mr. MachoMan.
Narcissus Returns!
I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: there is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin [Psalm 36:1-2, NIV].
Egocentrism vs. theocentrism. Big words which express a lot. Oftentimes we use a lot of words to say nothing. On rare occasions we hear a lot of meaningful teaching in a few scant words. The second case applies to our big words here.
“Centrism” refers to what is at the center of attention, what is being focused upon. “Ego” is the Greek 1st person singular personal pronoun “I”. “Theo” is the Greek word for “God”. So “egocentrism” means “I” am at the center of the universe: everything revolves around me. “Theocentrism” means “God” is the center of my universe: my life and everything else revolves around Him.
God created man to be theocentric. He made us to desire fellowship with Him, as He does with us. Sin marred man’s makeup, leaving us in opposition to God. We want nothing to do with the real God, only with a god made in our own image. Consequently I want to be in control. I want to be the center of the universe and have everyone and everything revolve around me.
This is what the Psalmist taught in the verses we quoted at the outset of this study. How do we explain the sinfulness of the wicked? Left to ourselves we cannot. All we can do is theorize some psychobabble or whatnot. We need the omniscient God, man’s Creator, to explain us to us. Listen to His explanation of the sinfulness of the wicked.
• there is no fear of God before their eyes
• in their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin
Those two depictions go hand in glove. They are two peas in a pod, two sides of the same coin. Ask yourself the question, “Why do the wicked not fear God?” The answer is, “They flatter themselves to such an extent, that they are self-righteous. They can do no wrong. Whatever goes wrong is somebody else’s fault, including God’s. They are so full of themselves that even God must feel honored to know them!”
Isn’t it obvious that such a state of affairs leaves no room for God? How can anyone fear God when they are superior to God? If the entire universe and all it contains revolves around li’l ol’ me, how insignificant then is God? No wonder such a one cannot fear God. He is Narcissus! He is so in love with himself that he cannot even imagine he has need for improvement, much less recognize outright sin in his life.
Have you noticed in our contemporary anti-christ society how nearly universal it is to witness this mentality in people, at least to one extent or another? Relationships like marriage and family are in the gutter because communication barely exists between us anymore. All of us are busy seeking our own good, and we think we are without fault in doing so. We have our rights, you see, and no one had better dare infringe on them in any way. How inconvenient that would be!
Once upon a time not so long ago in a not faraway world, we used to regularly hear about our responsibilities. Meeting them was evidence of adulthood. It was honorable. My, my, but we’ve come a long way, baby! Nowadays talk about responsibilities is taboo and the person brash enough to do so is pilloried and ostracized.
Using the Word of God as our measuring stick for right and wrong, and specifically the quoted verses we are studying, what does this reveal about us and our society today? Hint, hint, it’s not good! The word “wicked” comes to mind, also “egocentric” and “self-flatterer”. Oh, and let’s not leave off the word “sin”.
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer with Bible now, asking Him to pinpoint any of these tendencies in us. Let’s learn under His tutelage to cultivate a penchant for analyzing our own motives and behaviors, rather than everybody else’s. We will be better people for it, more Christlike in every way as contrasted with more antichrist-like. Isn’t this what we should want?
So let’s not whine about our toes being stepped on or our fur rubbed the wrong way. By all means, dear Jesus, stomp and rub until we have had our fill of sin, then repent and turn to you for a new beginning. In Christ’s name.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
Egocentrism vs. theocentrism. Big words which express a lot. Oftentimes we use a lot of words to say nothing. On rare occasions we hear a lot of meaningful teaching in a few scant words. The second case applies to our big words here.
“Centrism” refers to what is at the center of attention, what is being focused upon. “Ego” is the Greek 1st person singular personal pronoun “I”. “Theo” is the Greek word for “God”. So “egocentrism” means “I” am at the center of the universe: everything revolves around me. “Theocentrism” means “God” is the center of my universe: my life and everything else revolves around Him.
God created man to be theocentric. He made us to desire fellowship with Him, as He does with us. Sin marred man’s makeup, leaving us in opposition to God. We want nothing to do with the real God, only with a god made in our own image. Consequently I want to be in control. I want to be the center of the universe and have everyone and everything revolve around me.
This is what the Psalmist taught in the verses we quoted at the outset of this study. How do we explain the sinfulness of the wicked? Left to ourselves we cannot. All we can do is theorize some psychobabble or whatnot. We need the omniscient God, man’s Creator, to explain us to us. Listen to His explanation of the sinfulness of the wicked.
• there is no fear of God before their eyes
• in their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin
Those two depictions go hand in glove. They are two peas in a pod, two sides of the same coin. Ask yourself the question, “Why do the wicked not fear God?” The answer is, “They flatter themselves to such an extent, that they are self-righteous. They can do no wrong. Whatever goes wrong is somebody else’s fault, including God’s. They are so full of themselves that even God must feel honored to know them!”
Isn’t it obvious that such a state of affairs leaves no room for God? How can anyone fear God when they are superior to God? If the entire universe and all it contains revolves around li’l ol’ me, how insignificant then is God? No wonder such a one cannot fear God. He is Narcissus! He is so in love with himself that he cannot even imagine he has need for improvement, much less recognize outright sin in his life.
Have you noticed in our contemporary anti-christ society how nearly universal it is to witness this mentality in people, at least to one extent or another? Relationships like marriage and family are in the gutter because communication barely exists between us anymore. All of us are busy seeking our own good, and we think we are without fault in doing so. We have our rights, you see, and no one had better dare infringe on them in any way. How inconvenient that would be!
Once upon a time not so long ago in a not faraway world, we used to regularly hear about our responsibilities. Meeting them was evidence of adulthood. It was honorable. My, my, but we’ve come a long way, baby! Nowadays talk about responsibilities is taboo and the person brash enough to do so is pilloried and ostracized.
Using the Word of God as our measuring stick for right and wrong, and specifically the quoted verses we are studying, what does this reveal about us and our society today? Hint, hint, it’s not good! The word “wicked” comes to mind, also “egocentric” and “self-flatterer”. Oh, and let’s not leave off the word “sin”.
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer with Bible now, asking Him to pinpoint any of these tendencies in us. Let’s learn under His tutelage to cultivate a penchant for analyzing our own motives and behaviors, rather than everybody else’s. We will be better people for it, more Christlike in every way as contrasted with more antichrist-like. Isn’t this what we should want?
So let’s not whine about our toes being stepped on or our fur rubbed the wrong way. By all means, dear Jesus, stomp and rub until we have had our fill of sin, then repent and turn to you for a new beginning. In Christ’s name.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. To purchase my books please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
