But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.  And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 HCSB

Matthew 6:33 tells us that if we focus on God and seek Him and His kingdom that He will take care of all that we need.  But when we focus on ourselves, we have problems. Our scripture passage not only warns us to not behave in that manner but to stay away from those that do.

The person focused on God understands that everything comes from God.  They understand that if they stay focused on God then God will stay focused on them and take care of them.  This means that God will protect them and provide for them.  This means that God is there to guide them and to guard their step along the way.

But for those that are self-centered, it’s not such a pretty picture.  Our pastor says two things that fit in with what I am telling you today.  First of all, he tells us that in the middle of sin is “I”.  You see when we focus on ourselves, we are much more apt to fulfill the desires of the flesh.  Galatians 5:16 tells us that if we walk by the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh.  So being focused on God keeps us from fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Secondly, if you want to have true joy, remember this acronym, Jesus first, others second and yourself last.

We all know at least one person who is self-centered.  These self-centered people share some common traits.  First, they don’t really commit to Christ because they feel that they have everything under control.  Secondly, their life spirals out of control, but they just don’t get it.  They constantly put themselves first and they constantly have trouble in their lives.  This person usually comes with a lot of drama.  Very rarely, if ever, is their life steady and smooth.  Normally, it’s one disaster after another.  Even the small things they consider major disasters.   They are experiencing all this drama, but try to get them into church or to read scripture and they will look at you like you have three heads.

Now when we are focused on God, we realize that staying in close relationship with God is a good way to be cared for.  It is the way that we, as Christians are protected.  It’s how our needs are met.  So take a look at a true Christian.  What will you see?  You will see calm and steady.  You won’t see a lot of ranting and raving and cussing and hollering, because they know that God’s got this.  When we come to understand that God’s got this, then we learn that if we go about handling his business that He will handle our business.  We know that when the devil comes against us that we can take refuge in our Lord and Savior.  We know that the devil can’t defeat us because God won’t let him.  We know that our God is stronger than the devil and that we can do all things through God’s strength (Philippians 4:13).

I have lived being self-centered.  I have lived just attending church when it was convenient for me to do so.  None of that really worked out so well for me.  But for the last 8 years I have lived a life that is Christ centered.  I have put Him first.  I have gone about doing the work that He has called me to do. Going to church is no longer optional, I got involved in church.  I’m doing it His way and His way is way better!

When we put ourselves first, we are setting ourselves up for disaster.  There will also come a point when God will just give up on us and give us over to our own selfish desires (Romans 1:24).  I thank God that He got me straightened out before that happened.

We live in a cold, cruel, world where many people are lovers of self.  Sadly for these people, it causes them to suffer.  We are told in Isaiah 6, Matthew 13 and Mark 4 that some will see and never perceive and some will hear and not understand unless they turn from their sin and be forgiven.  This is why when you witness to some people and beg them to get into church and to put God first in their lives, they will look at you like a calf staring at a new gate.

I don’t know about you but I am focused on number 1 and that is not me, that is God!  I know that if I stick close and stay focused on Him that He takes care of me.  He takes care of me way better than I can.  So, I trust in Him.  I live in a spirit of gratitude to Him for all that He does to me.  I worship Him constantly because I know what I have in God and I don’t ever want to stray from Him again.

You have a choice to make.  You can stay focused on you and head straight for disaster and live a life filled with drama or you can stay focused on God and allow Him to fight your battles and keep you safe and protected.  You can allow Him to make sure that you never go without.  It’s your decision, but I’ve tried it both ways and I can assure you God’s way is best.  You don’t have to take my word for it, try it for yourself and I promise you will love the difference that it will make in your life.

Have a great day!