Wearing Self Out!

Sometimes someone reveals the desire to do something others might not want to do and they are told, “Knock yourself out!” And there are many things we might become involved in which in the process of doing them we can literally knock ourselves out in the sense of wearing ourselves out. Even the very manner of living chosen by some tends to do so (i.e. spreading oneself too thin, trying to “keep up with the Joneses”, etc.). However, there is one LIFESTYLE method of wearing ourselves out that actually helps us keep some things in proper perspective. It has been stated “The praise-life wears out the self-life.”

Is our LIFESTYLE marked by a spirit of praise? If not, we might be too caught up in self to recognize what ought to be praised. Some people are so focused on self they seem to be unable to praise anyone regardless of what they have accomplished, let alone God.

Note two passages from the Psalms.
“It is GOOD TO GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, to sing PRAISES TO YOUR NAME, O Most High;” ( Psalm 92:1 ESV)
“(1) BLESS THE LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, BLESS HIS HOLY NAME! (2) BLESS THE LORD, O my soul, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS,” ( Psalm 103:1-2 ESV)

If we find we are not praising God very much, it may be because we are still too focused on self. On the other hand, when we keep focused on the praise God is due for all He has done, continues to do, and will provide -- that helps maintain the proper perspective regarding self. We need God! We cannot make it on our own! Our dependence upon Him and the strength He provides is something for which we should always retain an acute awareness. And as we give our lives in service to Him we must always remember it is His work and His harvest with which we are involved.

May God continue to be the focal point of our life that He may receive the continual praise He is due. Let our aim be to daily offer to Him a sacrifice of praise. ( Hebrews 13:15) This is the LIFESTYLE that will do the most in keeping self in its place.

Have a great day ALLOWING ALL WITHIN US TO PRAISE GOD!
Carl

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