When I see the moon at its thinnest stage, I sometimes think of a passage I read in Flannery O’Connor’s A Prayer Journal. The writer composed these poetic words for God: “You are the slim crescent of a moon . . . and my self is the earth’s shadow that keeps me from seeing all the moon . . . I do not know you God, because I am in the way. Please help me to push myself aside.”
As I consider these thoughts, I have to admit that there’s a part of me that feels entitled to have comfort in this world while still enjoying a deep closeness with Christ. Jesus said, however, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways” (Mark 8:34). For me, this means not stomping my feet when God tells me “no,” not pouting when God says “wait,” and not grumbling when God gives me a new task.
Like all people, I was born with an inner devotion to myself. Fortunately, Jesus has made me aware of it, and has offered to help me curb it with commandments such as, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). This is His kind and gentle way of showing me that my self-love is truly automatic. He didn’t need to teach me to pursue my personal comfort or to seek self-preservation—I’m a natural in those areas! Sadly, it’s true.
Thankfully, Jesus also said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake . . . you will save it” (Mark 8:35). Deepening our devotion to Christ means moving from a “me-centered” life to a “God-centered” life. And as we turn away from our self-serving desires, God will give us new desires (Galatians 5:24). He’ll also give us a better view of His glory as we remain in His shadow.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Timothy 4:1-16
More:
Look up Nehemiah 5:14-18 to see how Nehemiah’s selflessness reflected his God-fearing attitude. Read Acts 5:1-5 to see the cost of selfishness in Ananias’ life.
Next:
What’s the relationship between love and selfishness? What changes, if any, is God asking you to make in order to increase your devotion to Him?
Gary Shultz on December 11, 2014 at 6:54 am
It is true! It takes a lot of life washed over us, at least me, until we turn over our ways to Him. And then I say, why, why did it take so long why, was I so stubborn and a knot head? Cars come with a reverse gear, but life does not. So we move forward ashamed; however, glad that God was so patient. Maybe the golden years will be the best.
jennifer benson schuldt on December 11, 2014 at 12:37 pm
God is patient with us! And, we don’t have to feel the heaviness of shame from things we’ve done in our past. Yes, we might have been unwise. Yes, we might have rebelled and lived according to our own standards. Yet, the Bible says, there is no condemnation for those who know Christ (Romans 8:1).
“The Message” version of the Bible says it in an interesting way: “…Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.”
Just as Jesus frees us from sin’s power when we come to know Him, He does this every day for believers–He tosses our sin into the sea and doesn’t revisit it.
tgustafs on December 11, 2014 at 7:15 am
I’m with you, Jennifer. My prayer life is usually motivated by what I think I need. I’ve been working on listening for His voice and worrying less about the things that so easily crowd it out.
jennifer benson schuldt on December 11, 2014 at 12:41 pm
My prayer life is a lot like that too. I think about the way my kids pray…it must be hereditary! Prayers of supplication are so automatic. Listening requires slowness, silence, and the pushing aside of our own agenda. What seems passive actually takes more effort!
Tom Felten on December 11, 2014 at 8:11 am
Jennifer, during this advent season, I’m reminded again of what Jesus did in obedience to His Father and for others . . . for us. He was born a man, laying down His divine privileges. Later, He took our place on a criminal’s cross—suffering and dying that we might have life. May we follow His example and pour out our lives for Him and for others!
jennifer benson schuldt on December 11, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Yes! This year I have been thinking about the humility involved in Jesus’ arrival on earth. It’s interesting that Jesus’ first encounter with the world He created happened in a place of relative unimportance. Jesus left heaven to come and be physically born in a manger. The angels that announced His birth remind us of His rightful home and status (Luke 2:8-15).
ghchong on December 11, 2014 at 8:30 am
Classically, Rom 3:23 and John 3:20 also please!
ghchong on December 11, 2014 at 8:46 am
God’s standard is very high… e.g. Lev 11:44-45
ghchong on December 11, 2014 at 8:48 am
Matt 5:48
ghchong on December 11, 2014 at 7:25 pm
Just one more: Luke 18:14