Get Your Eyes OFF Yourself!

Get Your Eyes OFF Yourself!
Brad Reiches
Sep 7 2006 01:27AM

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Thursday, September 7, 2006
GodThoughtsWired!

"Get Your Eyes OFF Yourself!"

"Do nothing from selfishness..."

Philippians 2:3

Self-pity doesn't fly in the kingdom of God, nor does it go over well with your Heavenly Father.  It didn't work for Job:

Job:  "Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.  And Job said, 'Let the day perish on which I was to be born..." (Job 3:1-2).

God:  "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty" (Job 40:1).     See especially, Job, chapters 1-3, 38-42.

It didn't work for Jeremiah:

Jeremiah:  "Remember me, take notice of me...Because of Your hand upon me, I sat alone...Why has my pain been perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?" (see Jeremiah 15:15-19).

God:  "If you return, then I will restore you..." Jermiah 15:19 (see also, verses 15-20).

And it REALLY didn't work for Elijah!  In fact, it may have resulted in an early "retirement:"

Elijah:  "It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life..." (1 Kings 19:4).
God:  "You shall appoint a prophet (Elisha) in your place" (1 Kings 19:16).  See 1 Kings, chapter 19 for entire story.

The reason "self-pity" is ALWAYS inappropriate is because it is an indictment against the God whos love and care and mercy and grace and power are ALWAYS "sufficient for you" (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Though you may not sense His presence, GET YOUR EYES OFF YOURSELF!  "Set your mind on the things above..." (Colossians 3:2).  Though you don't currently see His hand, GET YOUR EYES OFF YOURSELF!  "Fixing your eyes upon Jesus..." (Hebrews 12:2).

"These things I have spoken to you,
so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33