Not About Me

​Our family spent a glorious weekend with our closest friends in a cabin in the mountains recently. We have done this annually for the last decade.

​It is a joy to see how much our families have changed. Now our trips are filled with squeals and giggles from all of the little ones running around and playing. However, those giggles are often punctuated by yells, tattles, and tears. It is a joy to see our kids bond and grow together, but there are some growing pains as they navigate playing and conflict resolution.
 
Often we as parents spend time guiding our little ones as they run to tell us who did what, who took what, or how something is not fair. Their little minds and hearts are still very self-centered.

But can’t we say the same?
 
Our culture and our world encourages us to focus on ourselves. We are bombarded with messages around self-care, growing ourselves, improving ourselves, and becoming our very best self. While these things are not necessarily bad, they can quickly replace the thing that is to be center - the person we were created to worship.
 
In the letter to the Romans, Paul shares what the life of a Christian should look like, and it is the opposite of what the world around us teaches. In Romans 13:14, Paul says, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
 
In the Christian life, we are to love our neighbor and consider them above ourselves. They may not do as we do, worship God as we worship God, or hold the same expectations that we hold, yet we are to respect our neighbors. Our goal as Christ-followers is not to please ourselves. It is to glorify God and love our neighbor well.
 
We can easily fall into the trap of self-glorification, especially in our social media driven world. I can quickly think that I deserve more, that I come first, and that my needs are the most important. However, God calls us to so much more. He calls us to crucify our own desires so we can make room for His desires. When we let go of the things of our flesh, we can be filled with His Spirit, used for His kingdom, and shine His light for others to see.
 
Jesus calls us to a countercultural life. He made it clear in His ministry that choosing to follow Him requires sacrificing the things that we want and desire. Yet following Him is filled with promise and reward. 
 
So how do we let go of these things of the flesh?
 
For me, it is coming to Jesus daily. When I spend regular time learning from His words and actions, the Holy Spirit brings them to mind just when I need them the most. Our flesh-pleasing desires come so naturally and easily, so I have found that I need to come before Jesus in prayer all throughout the day. When I am tempted to put me first, when my jealousy rears its head, or when I am tempted to act rashly out of my own desires, I find that if I can pause and come to God in prayer, even for just a quick second, it realigns my heart and mind with His. 
 
To live the countercultural life that Christ calls you to, devote yourself to learning more about Him, spending quality time with Him in prayer, and joining Him in His work around you. He will meet you where you are and align your heart and mind to His. 

Memory Verse: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25

About the Author

Hello! My name is Lindsay McNeely. I live in Tennessee with my husband of 10 years and our daughter (4). Working full-time is both challenging as a mother and rewarding. The challenges cause me to take full advantage of every second with my loving family. On the weekends, we love to grab brunch, explore our little city, or take a short trip together. Time in the Word with other women is my passion and fuel. Join us as we dive deeper in our faith, in God's word, and in community.