THE IDOLATRY OF SELF

Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. —I Corinthians 10:14

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. —I Corinthians 10:24

For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. —I Corinthians 10:33

             Anything that takes the place of or anyone that is considered more important than God is idolatry.  This, obviously, is true of ourselves.  If we think that we are more important than God, well yes, that is idolatry.  When Paul says in Romans 12:3 to “not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment” —What is it if we are thinking “too highly” of ourselves?  It is idolatry.  We are exalting ourselves to a place that is not ours to have.

             So, we should flee from the idolatry of self.  To do so, we should follow the example of Paul who said, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”  If we are truly seeking the good of others, then we have fled the idolatry of self, being others focused.  If “I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved” then I will not be focused on self, but others.  So, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).  Others focused will keep us from the idolatry of self.

Dear Father, may my life reflect Your desires or me to be looking out for the best interest of others so that many may be saved.  May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  Yes, so may this be for the benefit of many and for Your glory!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKoBLgGgFEQ&list=RDtKoBLgGgFEQ&start_radio=1