WHEN WE WORSHIP OURSELVES, WE BECOME ROTTEN! By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy." (2 Timothy 3:2, KJV)
________________________________________
Introduction
In our contemporary world, self-worship has become a prevalent and destructive phenomenon. Many have abandoned the call to humility and self-denial, choosing instead to exalt themselves, indulging in the lusts of the flesh, the pride of life, and personal ambition. This spiritual decay is not only an affront to God but also a path to moral and societal rot. God’s Word warns us against this, urging us to die to ourselves and live for Him.
Through this lesson, we will examine the dangers of self-worship, its consequences, and the biblical call to righteousness and self-denial. By understanding these principles, we can realign our hearts with God and avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-indulgence.
________________________________________
The Root of Self-Worship
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24, KJV)
Self-worship begins when individuals prioritize their desires, ambitions, and feelings above God’s will. It stems from a refusal to submit to God’s authority and an embrace of pride and independence. The god of self becomes an idol, leading to spiritual blindness and rebellion against God.
God’s call to deny ourselves is central to discipleship. Without surrendering to Him, we cannot experience the purity and righteousness that come from living in obedience.
________________________________________
The Consequences of Self-Worship
"Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18, KJV)
Self-worship leads to moral decay, corruption, and destruction. Those who bow to the god of self are filled with greed, lust, and pride. Their lives produce rottenness, contaminating not only themselves but also their families, communities, and nations.
God sees beyond the pretenses of those who claim to serve Him while secretly worshiping themselves. The outcome is divine wrath, as moral decay spreads unchecked through societies. The Bible consistently warns that the wages of sin are death and that self-exaltation will result in humiliation.
________________________________________
God’s Call to Righteousness
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8, KJV)
In contrast to self-worship, God calls His people to a life of righteousness, purity, and humility. This requires dying to the old self and embracing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Only then can we live as salt and light in the world, preserving what is good and resisting moral decay.
Righteousness is not a result of human effort but a gift from God to those who seek Him with sincere hearts. The Bible assures us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.
________________________________________
The Danger of Hypocrisy in Worship
"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:8, KJV)
Many profess faith in God while secretly serving the god of self. This hypocrisy is detestable to God, as it replaces genuine worship with empty rituals and prideful displays. Pretending to love God while living in disobedience brings His wrath and condemnation.
True worship demands sincerity and humility. It requires that we pull down the idols of self and commit fully to God’s purpose and will.
________________________________________
The Role of the Church in Combating Self-Worship
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." (Matthew 5:13, KJV)
The Church is called to stand against self-worship by promoting humility, repentance, and righteousness. As the salt of the earth, Christians must resist the moral decay that self-worship brings and lead others to the truth.
By teaching sound doctrine and modeling Christ-like humility, the Church can reclaim its role as a moral compass in society. However, if it succumbs to hypocrisy and self-promotion, it loses its influence and becomes complicit in societal decay.
________________________________________
Summary
Self-worship is a pervasive and destructive force in today’s world. It leads to moral decay, spiritual blindness, and divine wrath. God calls us to reject self-exaltation, embrace humility, and live in righteousness. By denying ourselves and following Christ, we can experience true life and bring restoration to our communities.
________________________________________
Conclusion
The love of self is a destructive path that leads to moral and spiritual ruin. As followers of Christ, we must reject the idol of self and commit to living for God. This requires daily self-denial, repentance, and submission to His will.
________________________________________
Call to Action
Examine your heart and ask yourself: Who is on the throne of your life? If you find that self has taken God’s rightful place, repent and surrender to Him. Make a conscious effort to live in humility, seeking to glorify God rather than yourself. Encourage others to do the same by sharing this message and living as a testimony of His righteousness.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, God’s grace is sufficient to transform even the most self-centered heart. Trust in Him, and He will give you the strength to overcome the temptations of self-worship. Walk in His righteousness, and you will be a beacon of light in a dark and decaying world.
