The Continuing Argument

I woke up this morning arguing with myself. It has been going on now for a couple of hours. I do my best. I try hard. I work hard. And still I am tired, I am unhappy... I, I, I, I, I. There is another side to my argument - but it is weak and I don't want to listen to it. Lalalalalalala. You know exactly what I am doing.

I - it is such a hang-up for me...myself. When trying to get past myself, it is next to impossible because I have such a vested interest in my own happiness. But I am learning - I hope - I see glimpses of a supremely happier me - but it gets obscured by my worldly wants and needs.

But once again - the Bible has the timeless answer to settle the argument between I and myself.

Colossians 3
Rules for Holy Living
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

When my tendency is to say again to God, " I am doing it right - BLESS ME". His answer to me is. "You have not set your mind on things above, your loves are still here in this world, you are still laboring under your own power toward your own goals. Put your trust in me, not in yourself, find joy in the things you can't see not in earthly things."

Proverbs 3:1-6
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

It is a moment by moment turning of my thoughts to Christ.

Matthew 16:24-25
24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

There it is. My reason for giving up my life. I can see that it is tough. Taking up my cross is essentially dying to myself and it is HARD! God give me strength!