MARCH 22, 2012
“Me First”
Read: James 4:1-10
Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. —Ephesians 4:22
A man once asked me, “What is your biggest problem?”
I replied, “I see my biggest problem every day in the mirror.
”I am referring to those “me first” desires that lurk in my heart.
In James 4:1 we read: “Where do wars and fights come from
among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure
that war in your members?” The words “desires for pleasure”
refer to our self-serving desires. That’s why in James 1:14
we are told: “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away
by his own desires and enticed.” James warns that such
“me first” desires will destroy our friendship with God (4:4)
and cause divisions, wars, and fights (vv.1-2).
Therefore, we are told to put off “me first” thinking. How
do we do this? First, “Submit to God” (4:7). We need to get
our ranking right—God is God and His will must always be
first. Second, “Draw near to God” (v.8). Deal with those
desires that lead to sin by going to God for cleansing.
Don’t be double-minded, desiring both evil and good.
But rather desire to please God alone. Third, “Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord” (v.10). Then “He will
lift you up.”
Remember, “me first” living is not the key to success.
Put God first.
I once was full of self, and proud
Just like a Pharisee,
Until one day, quite by surprise,
I caught a glimpse of me. —Hawthorne
When you forget yourself, you usually start doing something
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
