We all have a number of self-sins: self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-worth, self-love and a host of others like them! These self-sins are not something we do, they are something we are and therein lies both their subtlety and their power. They dwell too deep within us and are too much a part of our natures, to come to our attention until the light of God is focused upon them.
The grosser manifestations of these sins: egotism, pride, arrogance, self-elevation, self-promotion are strangely tolerated in Christian leaders, even in circles of impeccable orthodoxy! They are so much in evidence as actually, for many people, to become identified with the gospel. I trust that it is not a cynical observation to say that they appear these days to be a requisite for popularity in some sections of the visible Church.
Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice!
[A. W. Tozer]
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2 Timothy 3:1-5 … 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; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Philippians 1:15-17 … Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Romans 1:29-32 … Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.❤
