The Answer

Romans 12:9-12 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; (NKJV)

Christian life is not magically devoid of stress, disappointment, heartache and discouragement. The answer to most of them, is to get our mind off of ourselves, and on to God and others.

Today’s self-help trend will no doubt categorize that statement as simplistic, untrained and unrealistic. God has made it very clear that Scripture contains everything we need to live a pleasing, whole life.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (NKJV)

Denying self is the cure for most of our personality flaws and unhappiness. We spend our whole life (before God gets a hold of us) worried about one thing: ME; pursuing one interest: MINE; judging all things by one criteria: what’s in it for ME.

How’s that working out for you?

The day we step down off the throne and begin a life of service and sacrifice, is the day life becomes fulfilling.

• Are you depressed? Find someone to help and care for. Your spirits will be lifted.
• Are you discouraged? Help someone whose circumstances are worse than yours. Your joy will return.
• Are you bitter? Pray for the person you are bitter against. You can’t be bitter about people you pray fervently for.
• Are you unhappy? Sacrifice your time and energy to bring happiness to someone else. Your smile will reappear.
• Are you discontent? Help others who are suffering hardship and lost. Your discontentment will quickly melt away.

Do you feel like “what’s the use?” If personal interests consume your life, you’re exactly right, what’s the use. Can you imagine EVER thinking “what’s the use?” when you are helping, serving or sacrificing for others?

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (NKJV)

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)

Lord God, grant us wisdom to understand that serving others and denying ourselves is the solution to many of life’s ills. May we know that denying ourself and serving You is the answer to ALL of life’s troubles. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Contemplation: Is your life consumed with your wants, your needs, your happiness, and your feelings? Is that working out for you?

Application: To the degree that we are focused on ourselves, it will directly parallel with how discontent and unhappy we are. Read Matt 5:1-11.

1. What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?
2. What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
3. What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?