Rick Warren’s best-selling book, “Purpose Driven Life” begins with four poignant words, “It’s not about you.” If we’re honest, most of us struggle with this fact. After all, I live my life every day; I make choices; I make decisions and all of this directly affects me. So, wouldn’t it make sense that I look out for me? Right? Wrong.
In a world where we’re tempted toward egocentrism (me-first attitude), it’s easy to think that all of this revolves around me; all this is for me.
It’s not.
As a Christian, even your salvation isn’t for you. Wait, what? Really?
God saving your soul, your life, redeeming your heart is about Him.
“Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. (Ezekiel 36:22-23 ESV)
God acts, on His own behalf, for His own glory. The benefit to you is secondary. His glory is primary.
It’s not about you.
In this Advent season, remember that yes, God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins, for my sins. He did that for you. Not because He had to, but because He wanted to. He wanted to vindicate His holy name because you and I drug it through the mud. We messed up. So God acted…and sent His Son to earth. This was all part of the plan.
So remember, it’s not about you. Even when the world screams “Take care of yourself!” Step back. Take a deep breath. Realize that your heart has been redeemed because God cares for Himself. Your soul has been rescued from depravity because God cares desperately for His holiness. He has defended Himself and in doing so, He has defended you. Give Him your life and rest in this truth.
Grace,
Stan
stanbritton.com 