"Blessed Self-Forgetfulness"
Reflections from Tim Keller's Sermon

So no more bragging about human beings! [...] I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court. I don't even judge myself. I don't feel I have done anything wrong. But that doesn't mean I'm not guilty. The Lord judges me. 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:4 (NASB)

If you are anything like me, you must often catch yourselves seeking approval. We want everyone to love us. We want them to see how great we are. We want our parents to be proud. We seek the respect of our colleagues and peers. We strive for the best education, the best cars, and look our best ultimately seeking acceptance and approval.

I have been struggling a lot in this arena of my life. I want to be the best and do my best. The sad truth of it all is because I want to be approved. I do want others to think highly of me as I blindly attempt to fill my ego's satisfaction.

"Few things in this world are as self-focused as the human ego. Every triumph and every slight has the potential to send us either into pride or despondency. Yet, in 1 Corinthians 1, Paul shows us another way: a way where we forget ourselves to the point where we not only cease caring what others think, but where we even fail to care what we think of ourselves. Instead, we rest and rejoice in what God thinks of us in Christ." Timothy Keller

I have been incredibly blessed to have so many opportunities in my life, and yet, I have felt incredibly empty and unapproved.  It is time to stop caring about what others think, but it is also time to stop caring about what I think. The verdict has already been passed the Lord has judged me.

"My beloved is mine and I am his." (Song of Solomon 2:16) Thank you Lord for accepting me and adopting me into your family. Thank you for your grace. I am yours forever.