Isn’t it amazing that the greatest self-help book ever written specifically
says I cannot help myself?
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life
for my sake will find it. (Matthew 16:25 )
It even says I don’t deserve any help!
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
And, even if I am somehow saved from all those flaws I want to correct,
I don’t get to take any credit for it at all!
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your
own doing; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8 )
Not of my own doing? But all the good things I do are surely worth
something, aren’t they?
not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:9 )
But what about my self-esteem?
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles
himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12 )
Oh, come on! I must count for something!
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count
others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3 )
But what about me?
Never be wise in your own sight. (Romans 12:16b )
How could I ever possibly be a person like that?
Today’s Praise
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus
from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2 )