The Self-Made Man

Have you ever heard anyone introduced as a self-made man?  In America we consider this an extreme compliment.  But is there such a thing as a self-made man or woman?  Do we really want to be considered a self-made man or woman?  There once was a great king of a world empire. His name is Nebuchadnezzar and his empire was Babylon.  He made the following statement in Daniel 4:30,

“Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?”

He considered himself a self-made man.  At the moment he spoke these words of pride, God removed the kingdom
from him.  He soon realized that he was not a self-made man but that he owed his position and power to God.  He became a God-made man.  Notice the change in perspective in Daniel 4:37 as he undergoes this complete transformation, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

God’s desire is that we would let Him mold and transform us.  He wants us to stop trying to make ourselves into the image that this world deems worthy.  The only image worthy to replicate is the image of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.  God’s will is that we would be “conformed to the image of Christ” (Rom 8:29).

Let us all surrender to being God-made men and women and turn from the pride of being self-made.

No Time Like the Present

Have you noticed procrastination is the only thing we never put off? God tells us “exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb 3:13). The truth is when we say “No” to God today our hearts can become hardened and it becomes easier to say “No” tomorrow. What can you do today that would please God? Is there something you feel He wants you to do but you keep putting it off? It may be something like restoring a relationship. There may be someone he wants you to share Christ with. Is God calling you to serve in some way at the church? Could I give you a piece of advice? Do it now!
Charles Lowery tells the story of a boy and a girl who returned to the girl’s home after their first date. Standing at the front door, the boy asked nervously, “May I kiss you?” There was no reply. Again he asked, “May I Kiss you?” No reply. A third time he asked, “May I kiss you??” Still no reply. “Are you deaf?” asked the boy. “Are you paralyzed?” the girl replied.
Sometimes don’t we act like the boy waiting for God to speak to us in an audible voice when He has already made His intentions known. Something you know God wants you to do—Do it today! Right now!