Often in our world, we hear encouragement to believe in ourselves. We are taught to be self-confident. That if we put our minds to something, we can do it. Most of the time, self-confidence is nothing more than words to hype someone up to believe they can do what they think they cannot. Sometimes this is done to the point that we are setting people up for failure. This idea of self-confidence is not from God. It comes from pride in oneself. It breeds the idea that I am in control of my life, and it is what I make it, and to some measure, that is true. We all have a choice to deny or accept Jesus, an option to place our confidence in Him or ourselves. The world’s idea of self-confidence causes one to ignore God and rely on man. Unfortunately, we are born with a certain amount of pride and self-determination.
You can see this exhibited in a child who wants something they are not supposed to have. I have seen toddlers try to climb things where there was no possible way to do it, yet, in their minds, it is achievable. This is all a result of our sinful nature. In Genesis 3:5, Satan convinced Eve that God was holding out on her. He deceived her, and sin entered the world. He said, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” From this moment on, mankind was forever changed. Our first thoughts are concerning self. It is a sin that can only be overcome as we place our confidence in the one who ultimately controls everything.
It is very easy for us to buy into the world’s philosophy of security. To convince ourselves that we are the masters of our fate. Yet, as Christians, we understand that God is ultimately in control of everything. In Colossians 1:16-17, we see Jesus as the creator of everything. Nothing is of its own. Nothing is beyond Him. While He does not cause sin, He allows us the choice. We are not robots, but anything that is good that we might do is not of us, but because He allows it.
Colossians 1:16-17 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” So, to puff up our ego and think that we are so great is nothing more than self-delusion. We have deceived ourselves. The world one day will be judged because it craved, solicited, and boasted in the glory that belonged to God.
So, what is the answer to this self-confident culture we have bought into? First, we as adults need to get on our knees and ask God to forgive us for relying more on ourselves than we do Him. He gives us wisdom if we ask for it. James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Second, we must be conscious of our attitudes and fight against pride. This will take study of the word and prayer, so we are convicted when taking credit for what is achieved in our lives. Third, get busy telling others about Jesus. This changes our focus to others, not ourselves. While we must work and fulfill responsibilities that are natural to life, we must understand that ultimately we are left here as Christians to be ambassadors for Christ. He is not a part of our lives; He is our life. Wherever we go, He is with us, and we need to live in such a way that we are a reflection of Him. For too long, Christians have segmented their lives into church, work, family, and recreation. That is not pleasing to God. He never intended for His children to act like step-children, where they go back and forth between parents and step-parents. We have been bought with a price, and we belong to Him seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. We are either in or out; there is no in between. We are deceived if we think we can segment our life and please God. The following verses support our allegiance to God as all-encompassing of our lives. He is not first in order of importance. He is overall. Everything we do, say, or think must be in accordance with His word. I challenge you today to ask yourself where your confidence lies. If He is not preeminent, your confidence lies more in you than in Him. This is also an area we must remain alert to for the rest of our lives. When we let our guard down, pride and ego step back in.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 22:37 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
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