Debunking the Perception of "Self"

Debunking the Perception of “Self” Part 2

For those of you who were expecting a “Musing” last week I apologize. I have been so busy with ministry and family that come Monday morning last week all I could think of was taking my bow for a walk in the woods! It was around mid-afternoon I realized I had messed up and not written an article! Well let’s continue looking at how this idea of “self” can really mess things up.

If you think about it, much of the depression we experience comes from not getting our way. Our goals and desires have not been met and our expectations have been unfulfilled. We did not get our way, so we sulk, complain and criticize. This results in our relationships at home and work to become strained. Next thing you know the negativity becomes a dark cloud affecting everything in life.

I want to start today with the last item from three weeks ago, “self-assertiveness”. Since we are sinful folk, when we practice “self-assertiveness” it usually means we are trying to get our way, make ourselves look more important than we really are, or trying to gain attention. We fight for our rights rather than realizing that we are more than conquerors in Christ as Christians (Romans 8: 35-39). Scripture tells us to trust in God’s plan for life (Proverbs 3: 5-6) as we serve others (Matthew 20: 26-28), and esteeming others more than yourself (Philippians 2: 3-4). It basically gets down to being a servant-leader with others just as Jesus was.

Then there is this thing of “self-confidence”. This may rile some of you, but in and of yourself you are not adequate. This is true for followers of Christ as well as others. The great Apostle Paul knew this and in 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31 instructs us to not boast in ourselves but in God. It is God who works in and through His people to produce good things. It is only as we trust our lives (that is everything in life) to the Lord that we can truly be winners (Philippians 3:3, 4:13; 1 John 5: 4-5; John 15:5).

It seems that as a person focuses more and more on himself and getting their way the natural progression is “self-exaltation”. You become the center of the universe. All others must bow down to your way of thinking, and your needs are preeminent. Whether it involves the choice of food, style of vehicle you drive, how you spend money, your recreation, opinions on life, your position and desires rule! I believe that much of the contentiousness in our lives would melt away if we did not think we were the King of the Jungle!

So, what does the Bible say about this you ask? Well commending oneself has no value (II Corinthians 10:18) and reveals that you lack biblical understanding (II Corinthians 10:12). A person who exalts themselves shows signs of a rebellious heart (Psalm 66:7) and may not truly know the Lord (Psalm 83:2, 94:4). One thing for sure, a person who exalts themselves will most certainly be humbled one day (Matthew 23:12, Luke 18: 9-14). If you are around a self-centered person for very long the chance of conflict increases exponentially.

God desires that all praise and exaltation belong to Him. He alone is to be exalted (Ephesians 1: 5-6, Psalm 148:13). We are to boast in the Lord, in the cross of Christ and in our weaknesses (Psalm 20:7, 34: 1-3, 44:8; Jeremiah 9:24; I Corinthians 1:31; II Corinthians 10:17; Galatians 6:14; II Corinthians 11:30 and 12:9). No matter where one stands in regard to faith in Jesus Christ, if you exalt yourself you will be humbled, and if you humble yourself you will be exalted at the right time (Matthew 23:12; 1 Peter 5:6). That is an eternal biblical principle that God has ordained and he will enforce it!

We will conclude the journey of developing a true Biblical view of Self in the next Musing! Until next time! Thanks for reading this column and feel free to call me any time.

(Dave & Lisa Carroll are area missionaries with InFaith, America’s oldest Christian home mission agency. Source material for this article is from the Biblical Counseling Foundation. You can contact Dave at 406.459.8935 or [email protected])