There is an inherent power in my life that decides what I like, what I want, and what I think is best for my family and friends. This power believes it can provide me happiness and will search relentlessly for everything needed for my gratification. It has an insatiable appetite for money, recognition, success, cars, and homes as the answer to finding security and contentment.
It is never satisfied with what it currently has in its possession and despises change. It is my self- dominated mind controlling every detail of my life. It obsesses on self-preservation and is in a constant battle with the will of God. (The Nature of Our Humanity and Being)
The self-dominated mind prefers death rather than giving up its power and control over my life. It would rather drive me to the grave filled with bitterness and anger than be willing to forgive and let go of my hatred for others (murder-suicides). Prison time is better than letting go of my pride, resentment, and hostility over anyone telling me what to change in my life. Many broken relationships, numerous jobs, and DUIs are the tragic consequences of not releasing control of my self-dominated mind over to Christ. (Don’t let Anyone Hold You Hostage)
Self is the enemy exposed in our midst. Its deceit is rooted in the lies and deception of the heart. Even when exposed to the light of God, it never dies a permanent death. It fights and struggles inside of us till our last breath. My self-dominated mind hates to relinquish control of my life over to God. It is a moment-by-moment challenge, and in Christian terms, “taking up the cross and dying to my will” is a slow and agonizing process because I don’t want anything to take my power and will to control my life away.
The danger and paradox for Christian are the spiritual self can impersonate the character of Christ if it does not have to give up control. The spiritual self-dominated mind will suffer; it will sacrifice, give money, and do all sorts of religious exercises not to give up its power. It will faithfully attend worship services if it can maintain its preeminence. It is comfortable wearing a Jesus mask if it can remain the central focus of attention. The apostle Paul exposes this spiritual hypocrisy when he writes about love. It should give us pause to evaluate the power of our spiritual and self-dominated minds.
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Scripture:
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NIV
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. Romans 6:6 NIV
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