1. Self
You are your own worst enemy. You have been deceived into believing that the world revolves around you.
You probably are selfish at times, and may think too highly of yourself, and of your abilities and knowledge.
When everything in your life seems to be “in control,” and no problems exist to upset your lifestyle, you are
fairly content with your life. But if some unforeseen event happens, like the loss of a job, bankruptcy, health
problems, marital or relationship issues, a death, or family problems, then your world is totally shaken, and
then you realize that you are not in control of the world around you. Life is temporary and fragile, and it is a
gift from God. You have merely been granted permission to participate in, and live in, the world at this time.
Think of life as a test, or a rehearsal, for what is to come next. Your future depends on how you will respond
to this life, and its trials and challenges. God is always watching you, looking to see how faithful a steward
you are of everything that has been given to you. Do you appreciate, and take care of, your body, mind, and
your life? Do you feel entitled to have things, or are you grateful to God for every breath He has given you?
Do you rely on your own intelligence and reasoning abilities, or do you ask God for help with all decisions?
When God said, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3, He really meant no other gods.
If you are not careful, you can make a god out of your self. God is not pleased when you choose to indulge in
the pursuit of selfish, sinful desires, gratifying your flesh and your lusts. You were created to love God and to
love others, and not to only love yourself and to love pleasures. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection,
trucebreakers, false accusers...despisers of those that are good...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:2-5. You
must be humble and always acknowledge your Creator and glorify Him by your words, thoughts and actions.
The world is full of rebellion against God, constantly tempting people to rebel, and sin, against their Creator.
Your life is a blank slate, where you get to write the story, to serve or reject God, based on your own choices.
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and
cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy
God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the
length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware...” Deuteronomy 30:19-20.
Too many people today have chosen death, to be separated from God, and from Jesus, instead of choosing to
inherit the free gift of eternal life that Jesus Christ paid for with His Blood on The Cross for all who believe
upon Him. Believers are expected to live bearing fruit unto holiness. “But now being made free from sin, and
become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is
death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23. “I said therefore
unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:24.
Faith demonstrates to Jesus that you believe Him. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15.
Stop being led by selfish desires. Stop seeking after worldly possessions, things, and pleasures. “But seek ye
first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.
Diligently renew your mind by hearing God’s Word. Find a church, and be baptized, identifying with Christ’s
death, burial, and resurrection. “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...” Acts 16:31.
You may freely distribute this writing. 1 of 1 Copyright © 2012 by Adam Woeger.