I am convinced it is impossible for us not to be selfish and make life about ourselves; no matter how hard we try… even the most severe self deprivation, discipline, and humiliation are useless. This is true for non-Christians and Christians alike.
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. – Romans 7:18
“All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” – Isaiah 64:6
Therefore our only hope is Jesus.
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:24-25
Jesus did not only come to save us from hell, but also to save us from ourselves. He knew we could not live the life He desires us to live, so He came to live it for us; through us.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30
We must fade away, and Christ must become our life in thought, word, and deed.
You may ask, how can this be? The answer is the cross.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
We must ask the Holy Spirit to bring this understanding and truth from head to heart. He must illuminate this truth to us; there is no other way.
And we can have full confidence when we ask because…
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” – Romans 8:32
“No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11
Saints, Christ is our life.
Living Hope Ministry 