Biblical Answer

The Dangers of Self-Centeredness

Self-centeredness can be a major obstacle to spiritual growth and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we are self-centered, we become blind to our own shortcomings and weaknesses, while being highly sensitive to the perceived shortcomings of others. This can lead to offense, anger, and a sense of entitlement. As the Bible teaches, "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness" (Mark 7:21-22). When we are self-centered, we are prone to these kinds of evil thoughts and behaviors.

The Paradox of Losing Oneself

In contrast, when we lose ourselves in following Christ, we actually find ourselves. This is a paradox that is difficult to understand, but it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian experience. As Jesus said, "Whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it" (Mark 8:35). When we surrender our lives to Christ, we begin to see ourselves in a new light. We see our own weaknesses and shortcomings, and we begin to understand the depths of our own meagerness. This can be a humbling experience, but it is also a liberating one. As the Bible teaches, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). When we lose ourselves in Christ, we find our true selves.

The Importance of Humility

Humility is essential for spiritual growth and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we are humble, we are willing to acknowledge our own weaknesses and shortcomings, and we are open to the truth about ourselves. As the Bible teaches, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). When we are proud and self-centered, we are prone to fall into sin and spiritual stagnation. But when we are humble, we are open to the truth about ourselves, and we are willing to surrender our lives to Christ. As the Bible teaches, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). When we are humble, we are open to the grace of God, and we are able to experience spiritual growth and transformation.