Have the attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name.   Philippians 2:5-9 NASB

I’m sure that you have heard or perhaps used the expression, “He’s full of himself”. I have used this expression to describe someone who is prideful. I have also used the expression that they are “stuck on themselves”.  These people tend to be all about themselves. You can have a wonderful relationship with them as long as you are all about them too, but if you are looking for any kind of reciprocal relationship, you will be disappointed. They worship themselves, they want you to worship them and as long as you have this in common, you will get along just fine.

Now if you are a people watcher like myself and you observe this type of person over time, you will notice some common traits. First of all, this kind of person considers themselves to be self made or self sufficient. They don’t need a relationship with God. They don’t need to attend church. They’ve got this. They may repeatedly make a mess of things, but they still fail to see the need for God in their lives. Now because of this, they have a whole host of other issues. Often times they will do things that will leave you shaking your head and asking what they could have possibly been thinking. This is because they lack God given wisdom and discernment. They don’t pray before making decisions, because remember they’ve got this. As time progresses, they become less and less concerned with others because they are totally absorbed in the problems they have created in their own lives. They have little time or attention for others in need.

The sad thing about this type of person is that there is a chance that if they don’t turn to God and confess their sin and repent and accept Christ as their Savior, that God may give them over to their selfish desires (Romans 1:24).

You see, our scripture passage tells us that we must empty ourselves and these people have never learned to do that. When we are full of ourselves, we have no room for the Holy Spirit. Just as there was no room in the inn for baby Jesus, there is no room in our heart for Him when we are full of ourselves. When life is all about us, we are not living the way God intended for us to live. God intended for us to make our lives all about Him. When we do this, He provides for us and takes good care of us. When we focus on Him and do what He calls us to do, He handles our business for us.

Now I have been describing the person that most of us would consider selfish, but there are times when I think that I am totally selfish. You see I have come to realize that the more I love God and the more I focus on Him, the more He does for me. I have also come to realize that the more I love my neighbor and do my best to show them God’s love the better things go for me. So, in a way, perhaps that makes me selfish also. I try to do my best because I want to please God, but I have certainly noticed that when I do my best to please God, He takes good care of me.

One thing I have come to learn is that no good can come from me focusing on me. I have to focus on God so that He can take care of me. He does a much better job than I could ever do.

If your life is feeling empty and hollow, maybe it’s because you are full of yourself, just sayin’. Empty yourself and ask God to fill you with HIs Holy Spirit. Humble yourself and submit to Him. The Bible tells us in Luke 14:11 that everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and that he who humbles himself will be exalted. I have been humbled by God and let me tell you, it was no fun my friend. We are rewarded for our humility with riches and honor and life (Proverbs 22:4).

Pride brings about destruction, but humility brings about honor (Proverbs 18:12). So I guess it’s just a matter of whether you want destruction or honor. The choice is yours.

Have a great day!