Jesus > Self

Someone posted a lovely meme this morning, complete with a beautiful Christian song playing in the background. Nice, right? I see posts like this every single day from people I know, respect, and love.

But today, I was especially in tune with the Holy Spirit. As I read the words, He clearly showed me something: this is the problem today.

Satan rarely tries to get a believer to outright worship him—that would be absurd, and we would never do it. What he does do, very effectively, is shift our eyes off Jesus and put them on ourselves.

If we try to heal ourselves without God, we’re only treating symptoms.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

If we try to find ourselves apart from God’s plan, we remain lost.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

If we try to know ourselves without knowing our Creator, we know nothing.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

If we correct ourselves without God’s blueprint, we’re still wrong.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

If we respect ourselves more than we respect God, we are headed for trouble.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)

If we focus on being ourselves instead of being like Jesus, we are imitating the world.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…” (Ephesians 5:1–2)

If we love ourselves more than we love the Lord, we have missed the greatest commandment.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Self-focus, even wrapped in positive language, can be one of Satan’s most subtle distractions. Jesus calls us to something better—to fix our eyes on Him, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

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A Closing Challenge

Take a moment today and ask yourself: Where are my eyes? Am I trying to do life in my own strength, or am I surrendered to Christ? Am I more concerned about “finding myself” than following Jesus?

Let’s be women who refuse to buy into the world’s self-focused message and instead embrace Jesus’ invitation:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)