Self Needs to Take the Back Seat

If your daily prayer and petition isn’t “more of You Lord, and less of me,” then greatness will forever elude you.

December’s Awakening, Day 14

America was built on rugged individualism, and today that has evolved into a culture of narcissism. But God didn’t create you to live for you. If you want to follow Jesus, you have to put aside your selfish ambition.   

 —Rick Warren

Some people go their entire lives without realizing that they are elevating their own wisdom and abilities above the Lord's.

—John Stange, “Overcoming Anxiety: 12 Powerful Truths from Scripture for Defeating Worry and Fear”

The “road” that God lays out for each of us is unique and different, but we all will experience some long walks with our Creator during which He will communicate to each of us in His special way: “It’s not about you.”

 —Brian Fleming, “Your Life Matters”

For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. 2 Corinthians 12:20 NIV

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16 NIV

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3–4 NIV

            One who is a narcissist is consumed by self, in self, and with self, and unfortunately it is obvious to most everyone but themselves. They can, however, wear a near-perfect façade, but even in their outward good deeds they are expecting accolades and recognition in return. They may fool others, but not God, and oftentimes it takes God’s discipline to make themselves aware of their problem. The rebuke and counseling of friends will usually fall on deaf ears.

            It should be obvious that selfish ambition is contrary to the kingdom of God, and ultimately, remember, you reap what you sow. Ambition, focused on God’s kingdom, not self, is what pleases God and will be rewarded. It is best to put self in the back seat and let God drive, for the sooner you understand that “it’s not about you,” the easier the true path to greatness and success will be.