The greatest enemy to the human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.
– C.H. Spurgeon
Can you remember when you were a toddler? Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt stage. This is stage two of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development, where the toddlers align. Moreover, this stage is when kids say no to almost everything thinking that they can control everything. Toddlers believe that their parents will agree on everything they want. Additionally, they have lots of energy, feels superior and creatively manipulates (subconsciously and consciously) others to get what they want.
Parents are fed with lots of psychosocial theories to help them rear their children. And they forget the factual source that will aid them to raise their kids holistically and avoid self-superiority. God should be emphasized at this age. Why? Because this will help the toddler think in their capacity that the authority is not up to them. That they are not superior and that everyone answers to God, even their parents.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Jeremiah 10:23. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Ruth 1:1-2, 20-21: How Far Did You Travel Away From God?
Your Master Is Not Yourself
Jeremiah acknowledged the superiority of God above all things when he said that the way of man is not in himself. Matthew Henry wrote we are not at our own disposal; but under a divine direction. So does this mean we are like a robot? Or that we can blame God for our sins because He is the One directing us? God forbid! Remember we have free will and intellectual gifts that we ought to use.
These gifts differ us from other creatures, which makes the theory of human evolution wrong (Watch this!). However, free will often is given an erroneous meaning. People think that it means doing whatever you want, be the master of one’s destiny. This statement is fallacious. The real definition of free will is an ability to choose spontaneously between sinning, against God’s will, and obeying Christ, following God’s will (Learn more).
Let us use our free will conscientiously as it is designated to be. Moreover, let us fill our intellectual capacity with the moral standards given by God through Christ.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- Who is your master? Accept Jesus Now.
- How do you serve Christ?
- Were there moments when you felt superior towards others?
- How do you use your free will?
- Have you shared your Master, Jesus Christ, with others? See how.
Related Posts
- How Do We, As Church, Become Divided?
- God, Enlighten Your Holy Church
- Baptism – the Answer of a Good Conscience toward God
- Is The Work Of The Holy Spirit Evident In Your Life?
Prayer
Almighty God, our Father in heaven. We bring glory and honour to your name. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sins (mention your sins). Grant us, Holy Spirit, the discernment of what is God’s will and not to guide our actions every day. May the word of God, that we ready daily, reprove our egos and teach us not to feel superior to others. Instead, may the Holy Spirit give us boldness of the heart to tell others about our Master, Jesus Christ.
We pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
