Understand
The Times
Radio Commentary
by Roger Oakland
www.understandthetimes.org
THE GOSPEL OF SELF
An interesting trend is occurring in our society today. The long held Judeo-Christian belief that human beings should concentrate on a God-centered focus for living, is now being replaced by the view that self-centeredness should be the ultimate goal for man. Is there any way to help understand this strange phenomenon?
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A brief examination of the books available in the psychology section of any local book store will confirm the fact that "self-empowerment" is being promoted as a key to our future survival. There are countless books published centering on the "self." There are books on "self-awareness," "self-determination," "self-care," "self-acceptance," and of course, "self-esteem". Without a doubt we have become the "self-generation".
As well, there are also numerous "human potential" workshops, seminars and weekend retreats offering individuals a personal pathway to peace, power and prosperity: "You can be greater than you think," or "visualize your dreams into reality," or you can "name it and claim it." Also, therapies and techniques are being popularized that will help you discover how to create personal power and positive direction for your life. In general, the gospel of "self" proclaims: "You deserve it. You don’t need to worry about what others think. If it feels good, it’s OK."
This desire to love one's self is certainly not new. The book of Genesis details what took place shortly after the fall of man. God had created Adam and Eve, the first man and the first woman. They were created because God desired to have a loving relationship with them. But instead of mandating a relationship by force, God gave the first human beings a free will to choose whether or not they would love their Creator in return by testing their obedience to Him. They were not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
The Bible tells us that Satan appeared to Eve in the Garden of Eden and enticed her to disobey God. As a result of Adam and Eve's disobedience, the harmonious relationship they had with God was cut off. No longer were they God-centered. They instantly became self-centered.
The lie that Satan used to seduce Eve was centered on the promise that unlimited potential is available for man when he makes a choice to take the pathway of "self-fulfillment". The lie used by Satan in the Garden so many years ago, is the same tactic he uses today.
And Christians are by no means exempt from Satan's cunning devices. The self-love, self-serve, self-centered, candy-coated promises for self-success so common today should be avoided, if we are going to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus plainly said: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." [1]
Further, Paul said that the perilous last days would be characterized by this trend to love self rather than God. Writing to Timothy, he stated:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. [2]
Sounds to me like the last days are here.
I am Roger Oakland. This has been a biblical perspective to help understand the times.
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