…We pursue becoming SELFLESS instead of addressing our problem with being SELFISH.
Peter Scazzero
I often times find myself on a mission to be “selfless.” It sounds really good and has an altruistic connotation that screams to be an attractive, worthy pursuit. Yet, when I stop to look at the example of Jesus and his actions, I am forced to recognize this was not his pursuit at all.
Rather, Jesus was fully aware of himself and saw the unique purpose God had planned for his life. (John 13:3). He was extremely sure of his ‘self,’ having dedicated time to nurture, strengthen, and develop this ‘self.’
However, I quickly write off Jesus as my example, because I am not Jesus and my ‘self’ is not divine or sacred. Rather, I label my ‘self’ as one full of natural desires that are sinful and against God’s will. I confess that this way of thinking comes from feelings and a struggle with anxiety to “do” transformative, impacting things …and it is WRONG.
Peter Scazzero in the book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality comments that my tendency is a concept of creating and nurturing a false self. In a desire to be transformed, a Christian, and servant for God, many pursue becoming SELFLESS instead of addressing our problem with being SELFISH. Incorporating this information as knowledge, I encounter a humble ‘ah hah’ moment as I evaluate the 2012 year. Sincerely, a part of me says I will simply store it away as an observation of the journey.
Yet, 2013 offers opportunities to become more connected with your true self, the child our sovereign Lord has made you and I to be for His glory. Third Lens offers three trips to El Salvador to Ministry partner, La Casa de Mi Padre. If you are considering tools to know yourself, address spiritual health, and walk closer with God, we invite you to consider these dates and contact me (kyle@third-lens.org) if you would like to join a trip.
May the peace and hope that come with belief in a Savior born to shine upon us be with everyone (Luke 1:78,79).
Kyle Huhtanen
“It was less like breaking through a wall and more like poking through Jello”
