It's Not All About Me...Really??
“The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare my praise…Isaiah 43:21 NASB
“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:7 NIV
The world is yours for the taking. Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing. You’re the captain of your own ship. Be all you can be. Not one of these phrases are a news flash for anyone of us. We have heard them all. Some of us have even conformed our lives to the underline principal of this philosophy. And what is that underline principal? Well, I can tell what it’s not. It’s not what God revealed in these scriptures through the prophet Isaiah. In fact, it may be the polar opposite. But like most things, it’s not that easy. Let’s face it, there are some redeeming qualities that come from ascribing to being “Captain of your own ship”, and “Being all you can be.” Passion and confidence are the two qualities that come to mind. Most people who live under these banners are for the most part passionate about life and confident people. These two- character features can go a long way in carving out a life that a person can be proud about. That’s where the wrestling match begins for me. Knowing that there are positive qualities that can enhance our lives and the lives of others why should I be reluctant to sign up for membership to this mindset? The answer for me is a simple one. In the end, membership to this club of thought will always lead us back to ourselves. And that is a dangerous prospect, knowing the person that stares back at me in the mirror like I do. I’m not equating my reflection with that of Godzilla or Medusa, but what I am saying is, “I’m not as awesome as I would like to think I am.” Paul put it this way, “All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”Romans 3:10 NIV. Talk about an all- inclusive verse. Like meals at an all-inclusive vacation resort are included in the deal, this verse includes us all, and say’s that NO ONE is good, not a single one! More than anything else, what this scripture tells me is that everyone has a bent towards themselves. We all blow in the direction of selfishness, some more than others, but no one dodges that truth.
So where do we go from here? What are we to do with the mirrors in our houses that compel us to look at ourselves? How do we dispose of the mirror collection that we have accumulated over the years? Many would suggest that it doesn’t happen overnight. A life filled with mirrors that reflect, “Its all about you,” does not just go away like that. After all, we are all a work in progress, right? Although all of this is true, my suggestion is this, go into your closet, put your best pair of sneakers on and start running. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Prov 18:10 ESV. This is no passive verse, it is an aggressive, intentional sprint into the presence of God. When the light goes on and we realize that our lives are not about us, that they are all about God and how He is most glorified through us, there’s only one thing to do- run! Every morning, every day, put on your best pair of tennis shoes in your mindset and run into that truth. And when and if tomorrow comes, put on those same shoes and run into that same truth. The truth that reminds us to mirror the reflection of the image of the One we were created by and created for. Really? Yes, Really!!!
It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God..Brother…Brother Lawrence
