Self Spectrum
So, yesterday we talked about how God was not fair.
HE gave us so much more than we could ever give HIM.
But – we are supposed to live our lives by HIS example.
OK then, God said for us to die to self…how are YOU doing with that?
Where do you stand on the self spectrum?
What kind of self are you…ISH – or – SELF?
SELF
WORLD ISH 
LESS GOD
LESS GOD • If we were to score our culture, it would be completely on the ISH side.
• If we were to score the example of Christ, it would be completely LESS.
So, think about it…where are YOU (honestly) on the self spectrum?
– And;
How self aware or sincere are you in your self assessment of that placement?
– And;
What do you use to establish what side of that spectrum you are on?
– And;
What determines the activities, actions, thoughts or behaviors of each side?
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☆ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
• James 3:16
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The culture – the ‘ISH’ side of the spectrum – is easily seen as it is practiced by those of the world.
However, it is sad to see today how so many Christians can be, and have been, influenced BY the world.
So deceptively, and usually even so imperceptibly, the believer of a self-less Christ, can find themselves thinking, speaking and behaving like the self-ish world.
Sometimes without even knowing or realizing it, the Christian will have many of the characteristics or cultural attitudes that have become part of the world’s disorder, or vile practices.
What are those?
• Blaming (Pointing fingers at others)
• No Accountability (Always someone else’s fault)
• Gossip (Consistent talk about others problems)
• Fault Finder (Quick to point out others mistakes)
• Bitterness (Focus on what’s bad, not on the good)
• No Self Awareness (Accusing others for what they do/are themselves)
• Pride (Never wrong. Would rather argue to be right, than admit & be peaceful.)
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☆ But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
• Romans 2:8
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When you ask those Christians where are they are on the self spectrum, they will always consider themselves on the right side of ‘LESS‘.
Because the selfish person never considers themselves a selfish person.
Some of these people will actually believe that they think of others first.
But sadly it is more of a subliminal “You’re first…after ME!” unrealized thinking.
If the Christian is really dying to self, self doesn’t come into play.
That Christian realizes if they are to example HIM, the sacrifice we should make to put others before us, is absolutely no comparison to the sacrifice Christ made to think of us before HIM.
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☆ And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
• 2 Corinthians 5:15
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The LESS side of the self spectrum is inhabited by people who never believe they are enough on the LESS side.
The Christian who realizes he doesn’t think of others enough, is probably the human who thinks of others the most.
• That is not just the healthy way to think
• That is not just the humble way to think
• That is not just the right way to think
• That is the BIBLICAL way to think!
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☆ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
• Philippians 2:4
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So instead of the ‘your first…after me’ mentality,
It is simply just a ‘your first…go’ mentality.
The Christian that is dying or has died to self, yearns to be this person.
They do not see this lifestyle as any kind of a hardship, but a joy.
They understand the best feeling of joy and peace, that only comes from getting out of self to serve, help and lift up another.
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☆ Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
• Galatians 6:2-3
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So, where are YOU on the self spectrum?
Be honest, and sincerely go deep to answer this about yourself.
How dead to ‘self’ are you?
How self aware enough are you to even know?
Sadly, I know there are many reading this today who believe they are much more on the LESS side than they are.
How do I ‘KNOW‘ that?
Because I was that guy!
Like Billy Graham who said “The closer I get to God, the more I realize how unworthy I have been.”
• The more I imitate Christ
• The closer I get to Christ
• The closer I get to Christ
• The further away from ‘LESS‘ on the self spectrum I realize that I am!
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☆ Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
• Ephesians 5:1
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Christian, thus is one of the most important aspects of a life of Christ.
After surrendering, repenting, submitting, accepting & believing in Christ as our Lord & Savior;
Sacrificing ourselves for others is a priority.
Putting others first is Gods will for us.
It is the most sincere form of love a person can make.
They will know we are Christians, by our love.
I love you guys.
