Self-centeredness causes us to focus on our sinful desires, and to work toward achieving their fulfillment rather than on developing a dynamic and spirit-filled lifestyle of worshipping and serving our King Jesus. When we change our focus, we passionately concentrate on His desires for our life, rather than our own.
Saints of old realized the truth that if we do not purposely develop a single-minded worldview of centering our affections on spiritual matters, then we will give in to the lure of the world and to carnality that Satan constantly uses to tempt us away from our service to God.
The more we mature spiritually, the less we have any attachment to this world, its philosophy of life, or what it deems important. Delighting our self in the Lord allows Him to put His desires in our heart (Psalm 37:4). We read His Word (Romans 15:4), pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and pursue His plans for each moment of our day (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:3-4).
Over time spent with a Kingdom focus, we wake up with a song of praise to God on our heart, and we make melody in our heart to the Lord all day long (Ephesians 5:19). Then, we retire at night with a new song (Psalm 96:1) that He uses to fill our soul with longing just for Him, His Kingdom, and His ways.
Old habits fade into the background, and we develop new, Godly habits that fuel our spirit and transform our soul – our thoughts, feelings and choices. We are true soldiers of the Lord, emissaries of His Gospel, and trusting adopted children in His family (Ephesians 1:5).
We heed the call of the King of fishermen and spread our nets for people who are wandering around in this world with aimless, unfulfilled lives. Even the most successful of individuals soon find little joy in their endeavors, and they launch a search for more meaning in their life.
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that learning to detach from the lure of the philosophies of this world is possible only if we change our focus from success in this life, and place it on fulfillment through Your eternal life (John 3:16-17). We release our hold on meaningless, carnal exploits and turn to a life that is so much better – an intimate relationship with You.
Teach us that detachment from this world brings a freedom to our soul that we long for most of our life. Thank You that Jesus willingly disconnected from worldly success in order to bring salvation to the whole world, if they will only believe. Thank You for helping each of us to become Born Again Believers, who willingly choose to commit our life to You, rather than to grasp for the wood, hay and stubble that makes up this world (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).
Thought for the Day:
When we willingly give up what the philosophy of this world offers as the markers for success and fulfillment, we find a life that is so much more fulfilling to our soul than anything we could ever imagine; we focus on giving rather than getting, encouraging instead of belittling, loving rather than despising, forgiving instead of taking revenge, cooperating rather than controlling, giving others the freedom to be who God created them to be rather than manipulating them into someone that will meet our personal needs.
