Commentary
Is Your “Self ” Blocking
Your Blessings?
by Carol Douglas Lyles
T
here are times when “self” combined
with other words can be a good thing.
Self-control and self-sacrifice are
among a select few. More often than not,
however, this four-letter word becomes an
offense to God. Why? When the will of the
flesh (ego) exerts itself above the will of the
Father, it creates an impenetrable barrier to
communion with him without prayer and
repentance. Terms such as self-righteous,
self-centered, self-serving, selfie, (me, myself
and I) all focus on the individual (self) rather
than an act of restraint or reverence.
Even words intended to convey positive
messages such as self-confidence, selfesteem, self-sufficient, can become stumbling
blocks if we are not careful and allow the flesh
12 HimPower August 2015
to rule our thoughts, conversations—actions.
If left unchecked either can be interpreted
as arrogance if we are perceived as exalting
ourselves above others.
As humans, we often succumb to the
temptations of the flesh, vaunting ourselves
at every opportunity with ego screaming
epithets, “Look at me! Do you see how good I
look? Do you know who I am?” We go through
life exalting ourselves with material things
that make us look and feel better about who
we are—or rather, who we want others to
think we are. Along with it comes a spiritual
and financial price tag. Spiritually, it destroys
the God spirit within our hearts, creates strife
with others and displeases God. Financially,
it prevents us from living as God would have