The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous states that the first requirement of their program is to be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success. It teaches that we’re always in collision with something or somebody, even though our motives are good.
The analogy they use is a person who acts like an actor who wants to run the whole show. If his arrangements would only stay put and if only people would do as he wished, the show would be great. Everyone, including himself, would be pleased.
The theme of the problem is that selfishness and self-centeredness are the root of our problems. We are driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity.
They acknowledge that our troubles are of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and we are an extreme example of self-will run riot. Above everything, we must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it will kill us.
I have friends in the AA world who can quote this entire passage from the Big Book about selfishness. I can’t quote that, but I can quote what Jesus taught about the problem of self-centeredness in His kingdom.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
“For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?” (Matthew 16.24-26).
It is not only the AA crowd that understands that if you seek to save your life, you’ll lose it. I’ve had about half a beer in my life, but I personally know how self-centeredness is destructive.
Jesus gave us the antidote. He said, “Come after me, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.”
I once heard Henry Blackaby say, “You can’t go where Jesus is and stay where you are.” How true is that statement!
In order to follow Jesus, I have to be willing to deny my self-centered desires and follow His. I may not take up an actual cross, but I do have to say no to myself and yes to Jesus for this to happen.
What is the payoff for such a choice? The highest good of this activity is an opportunity to go with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
In a very real and personal way, we can live with Jesus, commune with him, learn from him, be guided by him, and ultimately be blessed by him on a daily basis.
Finding Yourself
One of my friend’s early years was a mess. He has taught me a lot about the AA program, but before getting sober, his life was a real struggle.
With AA’s help, he found sobriety and, through that process, also encountered Jesus as his Savior.
Now living the life he always desired, a life that eluded him when he chased his own desires, he feels a sense of purpose and true joy. Surrendered to Jesus, he understands his place in the world and lives a life filled with happiness.
He is living proof that Jesus was right when he said, “Those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
Convincing Ourselves
I know these truths well enough to write about them and illustrate them. I have preached many sermons on this passage.
An interesting fact about my life is, that even though I know this truth, I still struggle with surrendering my selfishness to the Lord.
How do we convince ourselves that what Jesus said is right and begin living in the truth of His message?
My suggestion to you and to myself is to be filled up with the life of Jesus. The more Jesus becomes important and significant in my life, the less my self-centeredness comes to the forefront.
I open myself to life with Jesus, as I often write, by spending time reading the Bible, praying, and doing what God shows me to do.
I hope this insight is helpful in your journey with the Lord.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 