This past sermon series, ‘Forget You’ wasn’t for everyone. I get that.
This series had a lot to do with how we think about ourselves.
People think about themselves in four different ways…
They, themselves, are their own God. They are their own center and their lives worship themselves. Other people are generally expected to do the same thing.
They think of themselves as a friend. They’re not bad people. There’s nothing wrong with asserting their needs and their perspectives, because they’re not bad. They’re most likely not the center of their own lives, but they most likely struggle with giving themselves too much attention.
They dislike themselves. These are those people who are brutally aware of their faults, but they elevate their faults to become their identity. What’s odd is that often they are the center of their lives in all of their brokenness.
They see themselves in the light of Jesus. For those people, Jesus informs their self-worth and identity. He is their center and their greatest reward.
This was a series for those of us that are 1’s, 2’s, and 3’s but want to become 4’s.
“He needs to become greater; I need to become less.” John 3:30 (NIV)
As one last revisit, I thought I’d share three tools that we all need to focus on if we’re really going to become people that see ourselves in light of Jesus and live to know Him more…
#1 – Pause & Pray
Spend time with Jesus. You’re probably like most of us: you’re extremely busy. The “to do” list is so long that something, many things, are going to get left off it! So, how do you choose what to do? You start with what’s at the center. Spend time with Jesus. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. And then respond to what He tells you!
#2 – Focus On Scripture
If you want to keep doing the same things and get more of Jesus, you’re probably in for a sad reality… that doesn’t work. You’re going to need to change! But change what? That’s where the Scriptures should be informing our lives. You struggle with fear? Memorize some scripture that talks about faith. Dealing with worry? There’s scripture for that too! When you do what’s been normal, recite what the Scriptures say to yourself and take the lies captive by the truth (see: 2 Corinthians 10:2-6 NIV).
#3 – Rely On Simple Obedience
You’re not in a race. Or a fashion show. Or a parade. Living for Jesus means that we are called to follow Him (Mark 1:17). Stop competing with your neighbor. Stop trying to look a certain way or act a certain way. Stop trying give off the right image! Jesus has asked YOU to follow HIM, and if you’re going to get more of HIM you’re going to need to respond to Him!
What tools am I missing? Leave a comment below and let me know.