When we think about broken relationships, it’s often the hidden issues that do the most damage. We can easily point fingers and blame “relationship problems,” but the truth is that our character flaws often seep into our interactions, clouding our connections with others. Picture a life centered on God, where every choice reflects His glory. Then imagine the alternative—a life focused solely on ourselves, filled with the idols of our hearts (just like Psalm 119:105 and 2 Timothy 3:1-4 remind us).
So, why do we struggle to obey God? It typically comes down to three main reasons: a lack of knowledge, a lack of skill, or a misaligned will. Some Christians are still on their journey, learning about the Word and simply don’t know better. Others haven’t received the discipleship they need and lack the practical skills to put their faith into action. And then there are those who know what’s right but choose to live in sin, allowing stubbornness and rebellion to take root.
In the beautiful yet complicated world of relationships, we constantly face choices that reveal deep truths about ourselves. It’s as if God uses these interactions to expose our character, inviting us to transform and reflect His image. Living a God-centered life means embracing commitments and aligning our actions with His divine purpose rather than chasing after fleeting desires.
Now, visualize a life driven by self-interest, where emotions dictate our every move. When we become overly focused on ourselves, we risk becoming slaves to sin. But when we decide to serve God, we unlock a different kind of freedom—the kind that comes from prioritizing Him over our temporary cravings (check out Galatians 5:16-25, Proverbs 5:22, Romans 6:22).
Our thoughts are incredibly powerful; they shape our decisions and guide our paths. If our mindset starts to drift from God’s will, we risk slipping into self-centeredness, allowing lies and selfish ambitions to dictate our choices. Have you ever found yourself fixated on what you think you deserve? That’s when the line blurs, and we drift away from God (just take a look at Romans 8:5, James 3:13-18; 4:1-10).
But here’s the exciting contrast: God-centered thinking, rooted in truth and wisdom, can transform our outlook entirely. When we choose to obey God, we’re motivated by His promises and a genuine desire to serve others. James 3:17-18 beautifully reminds us that true wisdom is pure, peace-loving, and sincere. Our thoughts can spiral into destructive desires, or they can be lifted by the Holy Spirit.
Yet, if we let sinful thoughts take hold, we risk becoming trapped in desires that lead us away from God. This is a real struggle—pursuing pleasure, resisting authority, and surrendering to materialism can create a tangled web of guilt and fear (dive into 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Proverbs 28:1).
On a brighter note, when the Holy Spirit motivates us, we develop a craving for deeper intimacy with Jesus. It’s not just about basking in His blessings but also about sharing that love with others (see Galatians 5:22-25).
But what happens when our desires take control? We risk elevating them to the status of idols, worshiping them above all else. Our attention shifts from heavenly pursuits to superficial earthly matters, treating God and others as mere instruments for our satisfaction. This slippery slope can lead to enslavement by our own cravings (check out James 4:3, Philippians 3:17-19, Galatians 5:16-21).
As we chase these desires, we often find ourselves on a challenging path, shackled to what we pursue. Breaking free from deeply rooted sinful habits isn’t easy and highlights the importance of rightly ordered worship. The consequences of our choices can ripple out, affecting us and those around us (think Proverbs 5:21-22; 13:15, 2 Peter 2:18-19, Galatians 6:7-8, 1 Corinthians 5:1-6).
Here’s the good news: through the person, power, and teachings of Jesus Christ, we can shift from a self-centered existence to a vibrant, God-centered life. It all begins with shining a light on those areas in our lives where self-ambition and lies take root. Let’s embark on an honest journey to examine how these influences shape our attitudes, desires, actions, and relationships. The road to becoming more like Christ may be challenging, but it’s an adventure worth taking!
Further reflection: When you think about your past choices, did you focus on yourself or on God in your decision-making? Identify any thought patterns that may be based on lies or selfish ambition. What desires have you allowed to take the place of true worship? Consider the thoughts, motives, words, actions, and relationship patterns you need to change to overcome sin. How can you focus on serving others? You can honor God by recognizing your shortcomings, repenting, replacing negative habits, and walking in the Spirit.enting, replacing negative habits, and walking in the Spirit.
Debbie Swindell 