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Addicted to Myself

The title of this article may seem strange, but, in our most honest moments, I think that we would admit that it accurately describes us. The great majority of our thoughts are about us. Generally, we do what we want when we want to do it. We think in terms of “What will make me happy?” and see almost every situation through the lens that asks, “How will this affect me?” Most of us spend a lot of money, time and effort in order to keep ourselves feeling good about who we are and what we are doing.

To a "self-obsessed” world (which includes many Christians), Jesus has some very odd sounding things to say.

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:34-35).

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple… In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27 and 33).

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

The “cost” and the “cross” that Jesus speaks about in these passages, I believe, is our own “self-interest”. Jesus wants to be at the top of every list you have.

Now, let us be clear: These verses are not about “earning your salvation” (salvation is the free gift of God). These verses are about how you live as a Christian. If we are going to follow him, we have to learn to get ourselves out of the way.

Interestingly, happiness and fulfillment are not things to be aimed at. Rather, they are by-products of a life lived for God and others.

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