The heart … is desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. So, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” II Corinthians 13:5. It is time to look carefully at ourselves and examine our feelings and motives. It is past time that we hasten away from the atmosphere of the world with its controlling power of worldly thoughts, opinions and influences. Self will never be conquered while lagging behind and sitting on the fence of neutrality. There is a war raging between the God of heaven and the gods of this world, and if you sincerely think you can remain neutral, you are sincerely wrong. Neutrality makes a statement that the gods of this world have conquered you and the battle over self has been lost.
In this world, if “self” is the conqueror and triumphs, it is Satan who is the driver. But Jesus Christ is in control of all whom choose to walk in the spirit in heavenly places. Self-will has been subdued in the Christian through true conversion and consecration to God through Jesus Christ. The heart is converted and Satan can find no entrance. “He is a new creature: old things are passed away.” II Corinthians 5:17.
“There are few really consecrated men among us, few who have fought and conquered in the battle with self.
Real conversion is:
- a decided change of feelings and motives;
- it is a virtual taking leave of worldly connections,
- a hastening from their spiritual atmosphere,
- a withdrawing from the controlling power of their thoughts, opinions, and influences.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 82.
What are some of these roadblocks that the self-focused person enjoys, even at the loss of his soul? He “that forsaketh not all that he hath,” says Jesus, “cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33).
- Whatever shall divert the affections from God must be given up.
- Mammon is the idol of many. Its golden chain binds them to Satan.
- Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class.
- The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others.
“These are Satan’s snares, set for unwary feet. But these slavish bands must be broken; the flesh must be crucified with the affections and lusts. We cannot be half the Lord’s and half the world’s. We are not God’s people unless we are such entirely. Every weight, every besetting sin, must be laid aside. God’s watchmen will not cry, ‘Peace, peace,’ when God has not spoken peace. The voice of the faithful watchmen will be heard: ‘Go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord’ (Isaiah 52:11).” Ibid., 83.
Have you jumped off the fence, forsaken your “self” to walk in heavenly places? If not, do it now.
Heavenly Father: I am tired of lagging behind and sitting on the fence of neutrality. I plead for the courage to hasten from the atmosphere of the world, which is putting me to sleep spiritually. Take my heart Lord before it is cold in spiritual death, for I choose to walk with Thee. Save me from my “self.” Amen.