The sins of mankind began with the awareness of self (self-awareness) Genesis 3:7. With this awareness has come the deadly "I". If the "I" offends thee pluck it out. We have become a world of self worshipers. I want--I need--I must have. It is this that comes between us and a close relationship with God. We have become so self absorbed that we can no longer hear him. It has caused selfishness, self-centeredness, and self love to the extreme that it has led to greed, jealousy, hatred, envy, sloth, etc. of monstrous proportions. (If you are not guilty--then DO NOT attack me for my point of view) In his truth/word--minus I--you can come to have a very tangible relationship with him--by which he will give you clarity on many levels.
It is said that Satan and his angels fell from grace for this same thing. I heard a story once that Satan saw his reflection in a pool of water and thought "I" am beautiful. This led him to self-awareness that became so extreme that the creation decided that he was more important than the creator. One-third of heaven fell. Is this not the major problem with the world today? The world has become idolators of self.(1st commandment--OT)
As christians we are never an "I" but a we with Jesus as head. The process of plucking my offending "I" is one of the hardest of processes that I'm working on. I have been working very hard at placing myself last instead of first--putting my fellow man before my wants and need--placing God and worship first in my life. Asking for nothing in faith that God keeps his promises that in doing so He will clothe, house, feed and meet my needs. He has, can and does. In this process I lost a very good career but gained an income that far exceeds what I would have had--with many LESS hours of work--It is in the field of serving others.
"I" IS the root of sin. (love of money came after love of I)
Thank you Yeshua
Amen
It is said that Satan and his angels fell from grace for this same thing. I heard a story once that Satan saw his reflection in a pool of water and thought "I" am beautiful. This led him to self-awareness that became so extreme that the creation decided that he was more important than the creator. One-third of heaven fell. Is this not the major problem with the world today? The world has become idolators of self.(1st commandment--OT)
As christians we are never an "I" but a we with Jesus as head. The process of plucking my offending "I" is one of the hardest of processes that I'm working on. I have been working very hard at placing myself last instead of first--putting my fellow man before my wants and need--placing God and worship first in my life. Asking for nothing in faith that God keeps his promises that in doing so He will clothe, house, feed and meet my needs. He has, can and does. In this process I lost a very good career but gained an income that far exceeds what I would have had--with many LESS hours of work--It is in the field of serving others.
"I" IS the root of sin. (love of money came after love of I)
Thank you Yeshua
Amen