It can be natural for us to use our gifts and abilities to our own advantage, but everything you do affects those around you too. Your actions both negatively and positively impact the outcome of others’ lives.
All men are born inherently sinful and accepting Christ is the only way to overcome what is meant to condemn you. If you could save yourself from the wages of sin, Jesus would not have had any point to come as a sacrifice for you.
Nature versus nurture has always been a debate. Do you do and say things because of your genetic make up or because of the way you are brought up?
My answer is both. Your genetics and what you are taught by others affect who you become. Many well-meaning parents teach their children to believe they are the best and to work for nothing less.
In theory this is great, but it can create little people who grow into big people that fall prey to their pride. No one is perfect—no one. You may have been gifted with extraordinary gifts and talents, but they don’t make you better than anyone else.
God has created us each uniquely for the purpose of influencing the world around us to love God and others. Loving yourself more than God and others does little more than create a society that is intrinsically focused with no outward goals in mind for the good of society as a whole.
In everything you do, give God the glory for it. Sometimes when you use your talents, others will compliment you. For some, one of their main love languages is words of affirmation. So kind words and compliments uplift our souls.
Receiving them is not wrong, but after acceptance, acknowledge God as the one who deserves all the fame for your accomplishments—without Him you would not have the talent or ability to do what makes you you.
Serve others not for anything you can get out of it, but for the goodness and glory of God alone. Help and love others to encourage hope, joy, and peace in their lives through Jesus Christ.
No one should live an isolated life apart from God, yet some choose do so. They fear losing who they really are or that they are too far gone for God to save or use them.
But Jesus has already paid the price for you to live in community with others and with Him. Do you feel you truly live a life that honors God above yourself?
