Self-Understanding and Self-Giving - Luke 9:23-27, 12:22-34

Week 11 of The Cross Bible Study

The upside-down kingdom of God tells us that what we think is up is down and what we think is lowly is high. I am reminded of Tim' Keller’s book The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness. How do you evaluate yourself? Sometimes, I think too well of myself and sometimes I think, “How could I have done such a thing?” - but both are branches of pride. I should feel bad for my shortcomings, but not because *I* should have done better but because I caused pain to someone.

Here’s an encouraging thought: dying to self takes practice. Self-discipline regarding anything is practice. Whether it’s math, music, or sports, we start out not doing well and keep trying until we get it right. Eventually, it' becomes second nature like using a seat belt or brushing your teeth. Don’t fret over making mistakes. Simply keep going.

In Luke 9:23-27 Jesus combats the idea that we must take care of #1 first. We must put our needs ahead of everyone else’s. I don’t think he referring to pouring from an empty cup. He means, “Don’t hoard what’s in your cup.” When I think of denying myself I imagine taking my resources and giving them to others. First, my own children and then my church and then my community. There’s enough for everyone.

Bible Project has an excellent episode on this idea of scarcity. Find it HERE.

Luke 12:22-34 speaks of how God values us more than ravens, more than flowers. He provides for us. He loves and values us. I come from decades of people telling me the exact opposite. There was a lot of false humility. Essentially the more you denied that you did anything of value and the more you denied that you had value, the more value you gained?? It was a twisting of the upside-down kingdom theology.

This is my current understanding: God loves me so much and values me so much that when he saw that I squandered my value and threw away my worth, he came and sacrificed to get it back and restore my value and worth. He took my un-worth and gave me worth. His worth. -which is a restoration of the original design from Genesis 1. Not only that, but this new worth is an improvement on the original because he is living inside me, empowering me, enlivening me.

So no more false humility. If someone compliments me, “thanks!” If someone says I did well, “praise God.” I don’t have to put me first. I don’t have to fight for what’s mine. I can provide for my neighbor. I can rest in the promises of God which are that he will never leave me nor forsake me.

How have you decided to live in the upside-down kingdom of God?

Every Thursday I fast and pray that Trump and maga will not be successful in their campaign to take America. You can join me. If you can’t fast due to health reasons, pick your favorite food and give that up until the election. 

You can join me in meditating on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 every day for 2024.