There are several things that stood out to me in reading the first couple chapters, but I would have to say the one which really pulled at my heart was the discussion on 'self-centeredness' or 'self-absorption'. I've always equated self-centeredness with the concept of one thinking highly of themselves and putting there needs and desires before others... but for some reason i never thought that focusing on my 'failures' or areas that I'm insecure in also straddled the definition of being self-centered.
One such area I've been challenged the most and has brought up a lot of my insecurities is with my career. I've been cautioned to make sure it doesn't become an idol in my life. Which, i'm starting to see it becoming. If God were to say...just like the book says, " I want priority over your career," as much as I would obey, I have to say that there might be some resistance on my end. Why? Because my self-centered tendencies have put this area of my life which has caused me more stress and anxiety, insecurities and boundary pushing as means to measure my success. I'm convicted as I write this.
"Knowing me, loving me, resembling me, serving me must become the supreme passion of your life. Everything else comes second."
I've known this truth, but I'm not sure how closely I've connected with it especially in regards to how I view myself and work. Maybe I'm just finally open to hearing it. Like people keep telling me..we work to live, not live to work. Thanks Seth for recommending this book.
-ja
Thanks for the honesty in your post Jenny. It is very easy to put other things such as our career, relationships and passions before God. For me, it was music. Music was my idol. What I came to realize though was the more I put music before God, the more I began to resent music. It was no longer as special to me as it was before. The same thing happens with our careers. Eventually, you may achieve all the success and financial stability you've ever dreamed of, but without a relationship with God, it will all come to mean nothing to you. Only God can satisfy is the way that we truly desire. Thanks again for your honesty and I'm glad you're enjoying the book. I'm so grateful that I can serve you in this group :)
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