“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, who am I?”
- Rabbi Hillel (32 BC – 7 AD)
Independence cares for self, but ego can get us into trouble.
We need to watch out for our well-being, but not for ours only.
Individualism enriches all of life, but a personality cult devalues others.
Diversity makes our lives interesting, but narcissism isolates and infuriates.
Identity hinges on relationships—egomania displaces the joy of love and service.
Focusing exclusively on “me, my, and mine” is evidence of a serious case of “I” trouble.
Calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them,
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Mark 8:34-35 ESV
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Comments
Interesting. Jesus advises in Matthew 22:36-40 That we are to love the Lord will all of ourselves, then others the same. When we love the Lord with our totality, we are actually loving ourselves in the process. After this base is established, then we are empowered to love others. And Jesus makes it clear that are neighbors are everyone. Honor for God, ourselves and others all wrapped up in Jesus commandment to love. By love we are to be known. Good reminder Pastor Almond.