We Need to Forget Ourselves
Writer Author Rodney Smith
Christian Article
:
Evangelism
- Fiction No
Three words are common in Christianity today — me, myself, I. When focusing on the big I, we become smug, self-satisfied, self-centred. “Isn’t it marvellous what God has done for me?”
Faith becomes weak when we haven’t learned (or are not taught) to forget ourselves. Generally we are self-focused. Our service for God is frozen like a popsicle because we think only of “me and my life.”
When we are unselfish we become messengers of the gospel. We are then looking outward, not inward. “The Lord is ……not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) How can we have the love of God and ignore those around us going to a lost eternity?
John F. Kennedy got it right, albeit in worldly terms, when he said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather, ask what you can do for your country.” Substitute “God” for “your country” and the Christian point is made.
Paul and Silas were in jail with feet in stocks (Acts chapter 16). They weren’t complaining: “Oh poor little me? Lord, why did you let this happen to me?” No. They were praying and singing praises to God, forgetting themselves and the circumstances. The next moment an earthquake struck the jail, setting everyone free. The guard shouted “What must I do to be saved?” So he and all his family were saved. All because of Paul and Silas’ attitude.
We should remember,we are small but God is great. Whatever our problems, we’ll forget them if we keep our eyes on Him, not ourselves.
When David stepped out to fight Goliath he forgot himself. The people around him were full of fear, yet David's eyes were on God, not on how big and awesome the giant was. David probably figured if he died he’d be with God - in heaven. David didn’t say, “Poor little me. No chance. I’m small and Goliath is huge.” No, David knew God was greater than Goliath.
The Bible tells of three faithful men —Meshack, Shadrach and Abednego—who forgot themselves and ignored the king’s threats (Daniel chapter 3). They had a “so-what” attitude. For their defiance, King Nebuchadnezzar had them tied up and cast into the fiery furnace—heated seven times above normal. Later, the king was amazed to see the three walking loose in the flames. He also saw a fourth man whom he said was the Son of God. The three emerged unscathed, yet the guards on the fringe were killed by the heat. Those three forgot themselves, and God was able to do great things through them.
Further on in Daniel 6 we see how Daniel defied the king’s decree - no-one must worship anyone or anything except the king. Daniel knew he would be put into the lions’ den for worshipping God. Daniel kept the faith.
Into the den he went. Sure enough when the king visited the following morning, Daniel was unharmed. He told the king that God had shut the lions’ mouths. What a witness! That is dynamic, supernatural, “forget yourself” Christianity. A far cry from the generally introverted “stay safe in church” mentality of today.
It all comes down to attitude. Like these great men of the Bible, we need to forget ourselves. When nothing else matters but serving God we’ll see revival. We’ll see miracles happen. God has never changed. We have.
Editor's Comment:
About the Writer Author
State:
New South Wales
Country:
Australia
Email:
jesuslives@beagle.com.au
Website:
users.beagle.com.au/jesuslives
Profile:
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