Recently, when opposing counsel called me a derogatory name on the record during a trial and shocked everyone in the courtroom, I had to stop later and ask myself, “What in the world is going on here???” I think it’s fair to say our culture is experiencing the back-lash from decades of egocentrism. “Egocentrism ” is simply extreme selfishness. Some psychologists describe it as being unable to see things from anyone’s perspective except our own. Babies are born with egocentrism, and if you don’t believe it, just take a turn in church nursery!
But—we’re supposed to grow out of this, right?
If so, why do we see our culture plagued by extreme selfishness? Everywhere, people are screaming over each other like two-year olds—to bring attention to THEIR cause, THEIR political position, THEIR individual rights, THEIR self-identity, etc. Parents bully teachers. Students bully each other. People have few tools to handle bullies because they’ve been taught that how THEY FEEL should be the prevalent concern of everyone else. In fact, “feelings” have become the prevailing foundation for “truth. So, in the name of “tolerance” we have created chaos dominated by this constantly shifting “truth.” It’s producing a culture of complete craziness. We tolerate ugliness at all levels of society—far beyond the playground! Even world leaders are name-calling like five-year olds.
WHY is there such a plethora of spoiled, childish, uncontrolled behavior among our adult population?
Well, my friend, the Bible explains EXACTLY what is going on. It is what happens to ANY culture that eliminates God as the central foundation and replaces it with anything else. We’ve replaced it with “individualism” as the central foundation to all truth. Paul the Apostle wrote to the Galatians about what happens when the flesh is god:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:19-21
Examine that list—doesn’t it describe our culture to a T? When we live after the flesh, in other words—WITHOUT the influence of the Spirit of God being central in our culture—the result is a downward spiral of destruction. No wonder we see grown people talking and acting like they are still in kindergarten. Only—the repercussions have far greater consequences than a fight on the playground. My friend, our entire culture is being destroyed by egocentrism.
Why and how did this happen?
Well, we are experiencing the backlash of decades of teaching people that they need more SELF-esteem—NOT—more dependence upon God. We’re experiencing the results of emphasizing the pride of SELF-sufficiency instead of the humility of a deep understanding of this timeless truth: We absolutely depend upon God for everything AND we need each other!
How do we fix this?
Well, we MUST go back to basics. Remember, light is ALWAYS more powerful than darkness. So, those who are born again, and who are supposed to be the light of the world, must begin to live like Jesus—in every area of their lives. The cultural shift begins with us. Jesus set the standard. He lived in the darkness and yet He shined the greatest light the world has ever seen. He has enabled us to do the same. He sent His Spirit to empower us.
We must abandon living after the flesh and begin to live after the Spirit.
Our life must revolve around doing the will of our Father—instead of ourselves. We must go back to the basics of what Jesus taught as the supreme rule for life—“love God with all your heart, soul and mind” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 When we quit being an egocentric Christian, our life completely changes. What does our life look like when we free ourselves from the flesh and become controlled by the Spirit? Paul explains:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
Wow—what a great contrast a GOD-centered life can make—especially in the midst of a culture dominated by the darkness of selfishness.
How do we produce this radical change? Well, it must be God doing it—not us. We have one job—discipline ourselves to allow God to have control. We must humble ourselves and seek Him as the greatest passion of our life. We must crucify our fleshly desires and allow God to replace what WE WANT with the much better blessing of what HE WANTS.
“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:24-25
If you are a born again believer, you CAN change the world through God’s presence in you! What will you do with this great gift?
4 Responses
Just thought you’d like to know I just tried sharing this on Facebook and they removed it. Said it went against their guidelines.
I myself see it as eye opening and helpful for others. We do live like this and it is heartbreaking.
Yes…they are against Biblical standards! That’s why we encourage sharing through email. 🙂
Kimberly, another really great devotional, thanks.
Thank you