Are You God-Centered or Self-Centered? Conclusion:

A truly God-centered life feels off balance when prayer or personal Bible study is lacking. For a God-centered person, the motivation to return to those practices stems from desire, not guilt, similar to how a man who has fasted all day by evening hungers for food. A religion-centered life draws clear lines between the sacred and the secular, considering only religiously tainted activities as having any spiritual worth. God draws no such lines and encourages us to glorify Him in the mundane chores of daily living. We move from earthly centered to God-centered by having a real encounter with the Holy Spirit, who transforms and renews our minds. When we realize that nothing else matters and we are willing to let go of whatever is necessary to have more of Him, we are on the way to living in joyful abandon to the things of God. Identifying the signs of self-centeredness in our lives is an important step in becoming and staying God-centered. Reflecting on the condition of our hearts helps us know how to change so we can live out God’s purpose for our lives. We believe the true, authentic self is encapsulated in how we feel, not how we think. Logic, reasoned conclusion, carefully articulated argument, chains of deduction, these are all considered somehow more fake than letting rip with unvarnished emotion. "So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness" Romans 8:8-10 (NKJV).

Important as our feelings are, however, they aren’t the be-all and end-all of who we are. And if you feel bad about something, it doesn’t necessarily mean the thing is bad for you. Christians today are critiqued for believing things that aren’t rational or scientifically verifiable. But no irony could be deeper, for these critiques are coming and rising as our culture buries itself increasingly in a deep doctrine of emotionalism. When we look back through Biblical history to see the source of sin, it does not take us to the garden of Eden. The original sin manifested itself in heaven when Lucifer sought to ascend to the throne of heaven and remove God as King of all kings. His intention was to not just become like God but to become the god of his own life. This is how self-centeredness operates. It leads us away from the path of righteousness and plants evil intentions in our minds and hearts."Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" Philippians 2:1-3 (NKJV).

The biggest challenge we face in serving the Lord is us. Yes, us. It is not Satan though he certainly plays a part. It is not our family, our work, our enemies or our friends, though they can also present impediments to our pursuit of holiness.Their impact on our lives in most ways is a product of our decisions. Living the God-centered life is your calling and stewardship as a Christian. So seek first his kingdom and pursue his glory. As you do, you will find life and life to the full. All Christians continue to sin even after being saved. Everyone is self-centered at times because we're human. However, we do have the upper hand, because we have the Holy Spirit working within us. The Spirit gives us guidance and strength to overcome egotism and self-centeredness. The choice is yours: Are you going to live a life that is self-centered or God-centered? Make the decision today. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your Reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV). "Self Centered Christianity is a problem for a healthy spiritual development and growth; and You are the Solution."