selfishness

Just Like Judas (John 12:4-6)

“But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:4-6)

Several years ago when my family and I still lived in the SF Bay Area, we attended a large church that puts on an annual Easter production for the community. One year I played the role of Judas Iscariot, who is known as the disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. It was challenging for me to play that role, for as a born-again Christian, I had to put myself in the complete mindset of the one who betrayed the Lord.

While it was difficult to put myself in Judas Iscariot’s shoes, the life of Judas is a clear demonstration of those who claim to believe in and follow Jesus, but whose thoughts and actions reflect anything but. And I had been there before. (more…)

What Do You Worship? (Psalm 135:15-18)

“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” (Psa. 135:15-18)

The more I study the Bible and observe the natural behaviors and tendency of people, the more I realize how serious of an issue idolatry is. The reason it’s such a prevalent sin is because God has created us to be worshippers— we are naturally inclined to worship. The question is, who or what are we worshipping? (more…)

The Poison of Pride (Psalm 131:1-2)

“My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty, I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Psa. 131:1-2)

One of the things the Lord hates (as captured in Proverbs 6:16-19) are “haughty eyes”. Having haughty eyes is a condition of a prideful person, a person that focuses on matters they perceive as “grand”, for the sake of feeling important. (more…)

Your Will, Not Mine

Man, I’m a spoiled brat. I personally think I’m not, but in my Heavenly Father’s eyes, I bet I can be SUCH a pain sometimes. When it comes to material things for myself, I don’t really want or ask for that much in particular. I do have things that I like and appreciate, but since I came to Christ, my desire to chase things beyond Him has been increasingly waning. (more…)