"It would be well for us all to remember that every person is pitiably poor — until they are rich in faith, and rich toward God." ~ J.C. Ryle
This quotes flies in the face of our culture as they try to boost the "self" at every opportunity. J.C. Ryle is saying that we are poor, destitute, and worthless without Christ. The "self" craze is not something new, considering Eve was tempted "to be like God," way back in the Garden. (Genesis 3) We are all prone to think MORE of ourselves and LESS of God and others. The Greatest Commandment is love God and others AS yourself. (Mark 12:30) This is the daily battle Jesus is talking about when He tells us to deny ourselves. The problem we deal with today is that most of the churches have become so psychologized that they buy into the "self" movement too. Self-esteem, self-love, self-forgiveness are regarded as truth in the pulpit!
Let us take off the cultural blinders and see life through the lens of Scripture. The Church must begin to define themselves by the Bible instead of the culture! Paul's attitude about himself was that he was "a wretched sinful man!" (Romans 7:24) Paul new the reality of himself as the holiness of God shined on his wicked heart. That is why Paul was so joyful of the sacrifice of Christ as the grace of God was poured out on him. Paul knew he was a Great sinner, yet he was full of joy because he knew that Christ was an even Greater Savior! Let us lose ourselves as we are in awe of God's glory!
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