That title makes me think of something my dad says, “You can pick your friends. You can pick your nose. But you can’t pick your friend’s nose.” truth.

Anyway, I need y’alls brains.

I love to read deep philosophical books & process through these concepts of pride/humility…surrender/spiritual disciplines.

Lately I’ve come to some conclusions (I hope you stick with me & give me your thoughts):

Reading a list of manifestations of pride started this whole “God Centered” journey.

When I read through that long list of yucky, embarassing sin (i.e., anger, control issues, people pleasing, sarcasm…) the weight can be unbearable.

How can I even wake up and love my children well considering the heart which should produce that love? A heart so self-serving and blind to the needs of others could not bow itself in service.

It’s a daily battle…

Previously, that’s where I got stuck. Knowing my sinful heart. Knowing my desire to replace “me” with “He”. Wanting to humble myself. Yet never feeling “progress”.

Am I any more patient now than 2 years ago when I started writing in this space? Do I demonstrate more godly love? Do I seek His way before my own way?

THEN…

I read these words:

“Self can never cast out self, even in the regenerate man…nothing but the presence of God can reveal & expel self.” -Andrew Murray

I can desperately want to be selfless. I can wish/hope/pray to be more God-centered. But I can’t get rid of my selfishness by my own strength. Only God can.

The sins of pride awakened my need for humility. But it is His unmerited favor, His grace, which continually drives me to seek humility.

Because he did not leave me under the weight of those sins. But took them upon Himself so that I could be in right relationship with Him.

Here is my question.

If I desire to humble myself…If I desire to replace “me” with “He”… And only God’s presence can remove seeds of selfishness…

What is the practical expression of these truths? What does it look like to allow God to remove “self” from our hearts? 

Day in. Day out.

“The essential thing ‘in heaven & earth’ is…that there should be long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.” F. Nietzsche (as quoted in “Long Obedience in the Same Direction:Discipleship in an Instant Society”).

Speaking to a group of moms tomorrow and want to give them practical, tangible ways to allow God to do His work & remove selfishness. 

What do you think?