Beyond Self-Centeredness: Embracing a God-Centered Life

Self-centeredness is a pervasive human tendency that is rooted in our fallen nature. It is the inclination to prioritize one’s own needs, desires, and interests above all else. When we are self-centered, we become preoccupied with our own comfort, security, and happiness. At its core, self-centeredness is a state of separation from God. It arises from our disobedience to His commands and our pursuit of our own desires. The self-centered individual is primarily concerned with their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They may have little interest in the lives or needs of others, and they are often quick to justify their own actions while condemning the actions of others. This tendency is still prevalent today, and many of us struggle with it. It is a natural part of our fallen nature, and we must actively fight against it. Self-centered people are often quick to point out how others are self-centered, but they may be blind to their own self-centered motives. They may have the logical flaw of thinking that it is humble to not understand others’ experiences, which creates a false sense of comfort. How can you genuinely care for someone but claim that it is not your place to try and understand their circumstances?  

    We often believe that we are objective observers of human behavior, capable of seeing others clearly while remaining blind to our own flaws. However, this is an illusion. Our own self-centeredness biases our perception of others, leading us to exaggerate their faults and minimize our own. We are all motivated by a desire to be right. This desire can lead us to rationalize our own behavior while condemning the behavior of others. For example, if someone cuts us off in traffic, we may quickly attribute their actions to their selfishness or lack of consideration. However, if we cut someone off, we may be more likely to justify our actions by blaming the traffic or the other driver’s carelessness. Another reason for our tendency to see others as self-centered while denying our own self-centeredness is our fear of judgment. We are afraid of being seen as selfish or unkind, so we may go to great lengths to justify our own actions and to condemn the actions of others. This can lead us to engage in hypocritical behavior, where we criticize others for the same faults that we possess ourselves. This can also lead to a false humility, where we flaunt our own virtues and accomplishments to others, often disguised as activism or awareness. Someone might constantly talk about their charitable work or their commitment to social justice, but their underlying motivation may be a desire for recognition and admiration which leads to flourishing and happiness. This means your motivation is still self-centered even if the work you do is beneficial to society or if you falsely claim it to be in God’s name. When called out on their self-centeredness, they may claim that their actions are motivated by a desire to help others or to raise awareness about prominent issues. However, this is often a way of avoiding the painful consequences of acknowledging their own self-centeredness. 

      Self-deception is a powerful tool that we use to protect our self-esteem. When we deceive ourselves about our own motives and actions, we can avoid the painful consequences of acknowledging our own self-centeredness. This can lead us to live in a state of denial, refusing to admit the truth about ourselves, making us lose our true self. The truth can be painful to confront, but it is essential for our soul’s health. By acknowledging our own self-centeredness in this way, we can begin to address the underlying issues that contribute to it.  

     God-centeredness is a profound shift in perspective that places God at the center of one’s life. It is a conscious decision to prioritize God’s will, glory, and love as the primary motivation for one’s actions. When we are God-centered, we seek to align our lives with God’s purpose and to glorify Him, not in ourselves, in all that we do. God-centeredness is more than just a religious belief; it is a way of life. It involves a deep understanding of God’s character, His love for us, and His plan for our lives. It requires a willingness to submit our own desires and ambitions to His will, and to trust in His guidance even when we don’t understand His ways. The God-centered person recognizes that God is sovereign and that His will is ultimately good. They are willing to submit their own plans and desires to His will, even when it is difficult. The God-centered person loves God with all their heart, soul, and mind. They seek to know God more deeply and to experience His love in their lives, even when we as people fail, we must run back to God and get back on track. The God-centered person desires to glorify God in all that they do. They seek to use their talents and abilities to bring honor to God’s name. The God-centered person is aware of their eternal destiny and seeks to live in a way that is pleasing to God. They understand that their life on earth is a temporary journey, and that their ultimate goal is to be with God forever. God-centeredness is a source of extraordinary joy, peace, and fulfillment. When we live our lives according to God’s will, we experience a sense of purpose and meaning that is impossible to find in any other way. We also develop a deep sense of peace and contentment even in terrible circumstances, knowing that our lives are in God’s hands. Happiness is according to our happenings, but the Joy we get from a God centered life is in our life regardless of what is happening it is a joy that even surpasses understanding. A God centered life requires a commitment to seeking God’s love and forgiveness, and to living a life that is centered on His will. Prayer is a vital tool for cultivating God-centeredness. It is a way of communicating with God, of seeking His guidance, and of expressing our love and gratitude for Him. The Bible is God’s Word, and it is the source of truth and wisdom. By studying the Bible, we can learn more about God’s character, His love for us, and His plan for our lives. Spending time with other believers can help us to grow in our faith and to develop a deeper understanding of God-centeredness. Serving others is a powerful way to express our love for God and to demonstrate our commitment to His will. We are not God centered because we serve others, we serve others because we are God centered. God is sovereign, and He is in control of all things. We must trust in His providence, even when we don’t understand His ways. The biblical worldview is centered on the belief that Jesus Christ is the only true God. This belief is foundational to the Christian faith and distinguishes it from all other religions. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are central to the Christian message. His death on the cross is believed to have atoned for the sins of humanity, making it possible for us to be reconciled with God. His resurrection from the dead is seen as a powerful demonstration of His divine power and authority. The belief that Jesus Christ is the only true God is essential for salvation. The Bible teaches that there is only one way to be saved, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. This means that we must acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior, and trust in His sacrifice for our sins. Other religions may offer different paths to salvation, but they are ultimately based on human works or merit. These religions teach that we can earn salvation through our own good deeds or by following a set of rules. However, the Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned. In contrast to other religions, Christianity is based on grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, which is freely given to us through Jesus Christ. It is not something that we can earn or deserve. The concept of grace is central to the Christian message. It is the foundation of our salvation and the basis for our relationship with God. The only way to live a true God centered life is to live a life with faith in Christ. (read more about how Jesus is the ONLY WAY in 2030 agenda article).  

   Considerateness, the ability to think of others and their needs before oneself, is a virtue that is essential for harmonious relationships and a fulfilling life. It is a natural outflow of a God-centered life, as it reflects God’s love and care for others. Considerateness is more than just being polite or courteous. It is a deep-seated attitude of concern for the well-being of others. It involves putting their needs before our own, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. Considerateness is a virtue that is rooted in love. When we love others, we naturally seek their good and happiness not approval. We are also more likely to be patient, understanding, and most importantly forgiving. God is a God of love, and He desires for us to love others as He loves us. When we love others, we are reflecting God’s love in the world, by properly loving others we are glorifying God and not ourselves even if we do not realize that. Considerateness is a virtue that has many benefits. It can help us to build strong relationships, to resolve conflicts peacefully, and to experience greater joy and fulfillment in our lives. Considerateness can also help us to develop a more compassionate and empathetic heart. When we are considerate, we are more likely to be seen as trustworthy and reliable. We are also more likely to be respected and admired by others. Considerateness can also help us to overcome our own selfishness and pride. When we are focused on the needs of others, we are less likely to be preoccupied with our own desires and ambitions. Considerateness is a blessing and gift from God. The biblical concept of love is central to the Christian faith. Jesus Himself said, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). However, true love is not merely an emotion; it is a commitment to seek the well-being of others. This often requires us to forgive those who have wronged us. The Bible teaches that God has forgiven us of our sins through faith in His plan. This forgiveness is not based on our own merit, but on God’s grace and mercy. It is a gift that we cannot earn, but only receive. God’s forgiveness is essential for our salvation. The Bible teaches that we are all sinners and that our sins have separated us from God. However, God has provided a way for us to be reconciled with Him. When we receive God’s forgiveness, we are given a new life. We are freed from the guilt and shame of our sins, and we are able to experience a deep sense of peace and joy. God’s forgiveness is also the basis for our own ability to forgive others. When we experience God’s forgiveness, we are more likely to be willing to forgive those who have hurt us. This is because we acknowledge that we have been forgiven so much ourselves. The apostle Paul writes, “Forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). The biblical concept of love is central to the Christian faith. Jesus Himself said, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). However, true love is not merely an emotion; it is a commitment to seek the well-being of others even when we are wronged by them. This often requires us to forgive those who have wronged us. The apostle John writes, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20). This verse clearly establishes that true love for God is inseparable from love for others.  

   We cannot live a properly God centered life if we do not love each other, we cannot properly love each other unless we properly forgive each other, we can only properly forgive others when we acknowledge how God forgave us and what that really means, To accept God’s forgiveness fully we must love God, We can only Love God when we reflect and think about his sacrifice for us, we can only try to understand what he did if we believe he did it. We can only believe he did it when we have evidence. This belief is supported by a wealth of evidence, both historical and personal. There is overwhelming historical evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This evidence comes from a variety of sources, including The New Testament which is a collection of 27 books that were written in the first century A.D. These books provide detailed accounts of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Extra biblical historical documents mention Jesus, many religions mention Jesus, Archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of the New Testament. In addition to the historical evidence, there are countless personal testimonies of people who have experienced the presence of God in their lives. These testimonies come from people of all walks of life, from all over the world. Many people have experienced miracles, healings, and other supernatural events. Others have experienced a deep sense of peace and joy that they attribute to their relationship with God. I urge everyone to do their own research and see the truth that the gospel and Jesus is. The evidence for the existence of God is overwhelming. It comes from a variety of sources, including history, personal experience, and the Bible. When we examine this evidence, we can see that it is consistent with the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The evidence for God’s existence is also a powerful tool for evangelism. When we share this evidence with others, we can help them to understand the truth of the Christian faith. With evidence people can love God, they can acknowledge his mercy and forgiveness, when they acknowledge this, they are able to properly forgive people, when they are able to properly forgive people, they can properly love people.  

   Unforgiveness including unforgiveness of self is a destructive force that can have profound consequences. It can lead to bitterness, resentment, and even hatred. Unforgiveness can also damage our relationships with others and with God. The Bible teaches that unforgiveness is a sin. It is a form of pride, as it involves refusing to acknowledge the wrongdoing of yourself. It is never foolish to forgive. Forgiveness is necessary for our own healing and for our relationships with others. Self-forgiveness is necessary for our own healing. When we hold onto guilt and shame, we are constantly reliving our past mistakes. This can lead to a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem or a victim mentality. Self-forgiveness is also important for our relationships with others. When we are unforgiving of ourselves, we may project our own self-hatred onto others. This can lead to strained relationships and difficulty in connecting with others on a deep level. It can also cause us to seek constant approval from others, as we may not be able to rationalize that we are worthy of love or acceptance. Forgiving others is not always easy. It may require us to confront our own anger, resentment, and pain. It may also involve letting go of our expectations of how others should behave, but ultimately, we don’t know how we were born or how we will die, we did not create human life, the creator of life should determine how we behave. However, it is never foolish to forgive. Forgiveness is a necessary part of a healthy and fulfilling life.  

Ben Simon 

10/17/24