To Thine Own Self Be True

08 / Sun – Read Philippians 2:2-4

Overview: How do we strive to be true to God instead of ourselves? This can easily be boiled down to a matter of pride. And what’s the opposite of pride? Humility…something Jesus demonstrated time and again.

09 / Mon – Who is your savior?  |  Read John 3:16

Some people believe they can trust no one, often because of painful things in the past that caused deep wounds that have never healed. Such a person operates under the mistaken belief that the only one they can really trust is themselves, that they have to be their own savior. What a heavy burden to bear. And it is not what God intended. This lie is perpetrated by the devil and is echoed in society. Has this thinking wormed its way into your life? How will you correct it?

10 / Tue – Possibly  |  Read Psalm 25:9

The often-repeated phrase ‘to thine own self be true’ could mean you live in a way that your actions align with your values and beliefs. This would be great advice if your values and beliefs were godly. It is important to pause and reflect. What kind of person do you want to be? Do you value what God values? Are your actions aligned with what you know to be true? If you find any discrepancies, what you choose to do about it can help you in the future to stay true to the most important Person.

11 / Wed – Admit and repair  |  Read Matthew 26:41 / Psalm 73:26

Acknowledging your own weaknesses prepares the way for the Lord to work in your life. It can be tempting to brush them aside when they’re revealed, but that’s like sweeping dirt under the rug. Sooner or later, you’ll trip over the pile, which scatters it and makes things much messier to clean up. Have you experienced that scenario? It is better to deal with things as the Lord brings them to your attention. In that way, your spirit can be free to respond rightly to Him and to others.

12 / Thu – Watch out  |  Read Isaiah 14:12-13 / Revelation 12:7-9

When you get ‘too full of yourself,’ you’re on dangerous ground. Do you know what narcissism is? A narcissist’s primary characteristics are a grandiose sense of self-importance, a sense of entitlement, and a complete lack of empathy; they see people as objects to be manipulated or exploited. This also describes Satan, who never repented of his pride and whose goal is to turn people away from God. His subtleties are unmatched, and you must be on guard. Humility and gratitude in every situation protect you. What are some areas of danger in your life that the Holy Spirit is pointing out to you?

13 / Fri – Strong and weak |  Read Psalm 10:4 / Proverbs 16:18

One way to keep yourself from the wrong kind of pride is to balance the things you do well with areas of weakness. When those two are out of whack, God is faithful to bring something into your life to help you see reality. The more accomplished a person is, the more important it is to be vigilant and give credit where credit is due. When something gets knocked out from under you, will you remember God loves you enough to show you where you need Him the most?

14 / Sat – Heart and flowers  |  Read I Corinthians 13:4-8a and 13

Romantic love has been so idolized over the last few 100 years that many people do not recognize love in any other form. It is seen as a feeling to be chased after. When you find love but the feelings die, it’s time to move on to someone else. That is not real love. God gives the purest form of love. Next to the breath in your lungs and salvation, this is the greatest gift you’ve received from your Father. It is a choice He makes repeatedly, and we can do the same. Real love is demonstrated by action, and it doesn’t give up. You can give it away, but you’ll never run out. Who will you love today?