I recently visited with a Christian friend. He shared a personal struggle.

He said with remorse, I have had a Selfishness addiction. Slowly asked a few questions. Finally, asking him, “How would you describe a Selfishness addiction?”

He responded:

• I thought about me.
• I focused on what I wanted.
• I lived to make myself happy.
• I took care of me.
• I satisfied me.
• I did it first.
• I did it fast.
• And, I did it completely.
• Everyone else was in second place.
• I saw life through the eyes of selfishness.
• Selfishness is how I coped and survived.
• I’ve done this all my life. And, I’ve done it very well.

When he finished his list I was speechless. His self-awareness was real, raw, and painfully honest. Suddenly, a picture entered my mind. You’ve seen a picture of a man standing on a pier holding a giant fish he caught.

I saw a picture of my friend standing on a pier. He was holding a giant addition by the tail. He was saying. This addition used to own me. But, not today. And, not anymore.

Verse

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36 (ESV)

Prayer

Thank you Father that you keep helping me see me. I want no belief, habit, routine, or addiction to own me. Rather, I want the promises Jesus made. That I could be free and walk in peace, rest and joy.
Amen