Removing Self

“You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."

PSALM 51:16-17

The truth in getting to know Jesus is that he lives in you through the Holy Spirit, because God is a spirit. It is always a revelation to realize the internal presence of the Lord. Therefore, to be rightly related to him – you will notice how much you do without him – within your spirit – your mind. Realizing you spend your time with yourself - seeking human knowledge - failing knowledge. 

In this truth - sadness can fill you as you realize the presence of the Lord within - but you choose yourself over him in who lives through you. Allow yourself to be removed so that the complete spirit of Christ Jesus may dwell in you such that he will live through you.  

The Lord will press you on a matter to choose him and his way or yourself and the way of the world. Be willing to be hurt by Jesus to be molded and dependent on only doing his will. He can and will use your body to do his will if you are willing to set yourself aside and take up his cross. The Lord must open you up to your selfish nature if you are going to be removed from doing your own will intentionally and follow him. 

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4 

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. - James 3:16 

He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. - 2 Corinthians 5:15 

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. - Romans 13:8