By Pastor Wendall Ward
Self-preservation is expressed in the choices we make to protect our life and welfare from a real or perceived threat. In many respects, it is a healthy response. However, there is at least one place where self-preservation is a danger to the spiritual health of all Christians—our understanding and personal expression of the crucified life. The apostle Paul illustrates this point in Galatians 6:14-15:
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.”
The world that Paul refers to is more commonly known today as culture; the result of human ambition and aspiration. The apostle Peter calls it an expression of “the world’s corruption caused by human desires” (2 Pet 1:4). As I see it, there are three dominant drivers of self-preservation that counter the more rigorous demands of personal discipleship. They are presented here as choices we make, in contrast to the virtuous life we live for Christ and his church (see Romans 12).
Self-indulgence over Self-denial
In a society that constantly promotes self-indulgence, the call to self-denial can seem counterintuitive. Yet, the teachings of Christ are clear: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Self-indulgence prioritizes personal pleasure and comfort above the spiritual discipline required for growth in faith. It is an easy trap, as the world offers countless opportunities for indulgence under the guise of self-care and personal happiness. True discipleship, however, invites us to lay aside these worldly comforts and embrace the sacrifices necessary for a deeper walk with God.
Self-love over Selfless Love
Self-love has become a popular concept in modern culture, often promoted as essential for mental and emotional well-being. While it is important to recognize our worth as individuals created in God’s image, self-love becomes problematic when it overshadows the selfless love that Christ exemplifies. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). The emphasis on self-love can lead to a neglect of the sacrificial love that is the hallmark of Christian fellowship and service. Our relationships and communities thrive not through self-centered love but through the selfless giving that reflects Christ’s love for us.
Self-centered Living over Sacrificial Living
The inclination towards self-centered living is perhaps the most pervasive form of self-preservation. It manifests in our priorities, decisions, and lifestyles that focus primarily on personal gain and security. The apostle Paul reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Sacrificial living requires a conscious effort to put others first, often at the expense of our own desires and plans. It is in this self-giving that we find true fulfillment and alignment with God’s will.
The Influence of Self-awareness Movements
The rise of self-awareness movements has further complicated the Christian understanding of the crucified life. While these movements offer valuable insights into personal growth and self-understanding, they can sometimes conflict with the principles of self-denial and sacrifice. The focus on self-actualization and personal empowerment can obscure the call to humility and service that is central to the Christian faith. It is crucial for believers to discern and integrate the beneficial aspects of self-awareness with the core teachings of Christ.
Living a Crucified Life
Living a crucified life is a continuous journey of surrender and transformation. It involves daily decisions to prioritize God’s kingdom over personal ambition. Deciding to serve others rather than seeking self-fulfillment, and to embrace the challenges that come with authentic discipleship. As we navigate the tensions between self-preservation and spiritual growth, we are called to anchor ourselves in the truth. Which we find in the gospel and the example of Christ. The crucified life is not a life of deprivation. Instead it is one of abundant grace and purpose, where our true identity and joy are found in following Jesus.
To sum it up, self-preservation, while natural and often necessary, must be carefully balanced with the demands of our faith. By recognizing and addressing the influences of self-indulgence, self-love, and self-centered living, Christians can cultivate a new life. One with a deeper, more sacrificial expression of a life surrendered to Jesus. Let us strive to embody the virtues of self-denial, selfless love, and sacrificial living. And also draw strength from the Holy Spirit and the community of believers. Only then can we truly reflect the transformative power of Christ in our lives and in the world around us.
Want more? Read Pastor Wendall’s blog on God’s Kind of Love- https://bethewordministry.com/give-gods-kind-of-love-to-others/