Truth is timeless. Sometimes the spirit of God comes through our words and so packs them with truth they deserve another review. This is such a word; a word that began life as a comment to a post on Precious One’s blog. After reading it again we feel the need to repost this simple word as its own post with a few minor revisions. In this season of exposing our limitations and ‘self’ we pray you find encouragement and hope in this word.
Natural limitations
When I (Homer) worked in the computer industry as a trainer I would often teach my students there were 4 components of a computer (CPU, memory, hard drive and network) that allowed it to work. Each of these components had limitations and the slowest item would be the bottleneck. The computer would not perform faster until that one item was replaced. If you replaced that item the machine would work faster but the bottleneck would then shift to another component. An elusive chase for ever increasing speed meant that you had to constantly replace the slowest component.
When God created us He blessed us all with natural limitations. God designed these limitations to keep us reliant on Him, however, satan upended this plan. Satan gave us the ‘self’ nature through Adam which causes us to rely on ‘self’ instead of God. As the ’self’ nature grows in us, extending its roots deep into our lives the less we feel we need Jesus. Our limitations aren’t our problem but our ‘self’ nature is and must be removed.
There are some weeds or noxious plants where it is not enough to just pull out the plant. If you don’t systematically remove the entire root structure, the weed will just come back. Dandelions are such an example. They have a weak connection between root and plant. If you just pull out the plant it is designed to break off at the root so the plant can regenerate. Your ‘self’ nature like a dandelion. If you don’t get the roots ‘self’ will always come back.
Our limitations
God is pointing out things in your life He wants you to deal with. He always starts with small things because He knows the root of ‘self’ is so deeply embedded in you it would kill you if He removed it all at once. God is a gentle surgeon, so He starts with getting your will to agree with Him and deal with the small things first. Your obedience is good. But like the computer, once you deal with those items He shifts your attention to the new bottleneck of ‘self’. This process will continue for a long time as He goes deeper and deeper into your being to root out ‘self’ in you. Trust us on this one, it is a long process, but it ends at some point. Unlike God ‘self’ is large but not infinite.
Don’t be surprised when life gets more difficult during this process. Remember the ‘self’ nature is satan fueled and does not want to die. ‘Self’ will fight you and God at every step of obedience. You can see this anytime you say, “I can spend all my energy on improving myself and I’ll be fine.” This is a common deception ‘self’ throws out. ‘Self’ wants to be at the center of our walk with God so it can derail the process and curtail God’s purposes in destroying ‘self’. Don’t fall for this trap.
We are not ‘good’ people
The primary dilemma is that ‘self’ convinces us we are ‘good’ people in need of only slight adjustments. That is an outright lie and deception.
Our ‘self’ is rotten to the core and at total enmity with God. The two cannot dwell together in spirit. The ‘self’ nature must be eradicated. On this earth God gives us great mercy to deal with ‘self’ but we must agree with Him in getting rid of it or we will suffer horrible consequences. Avail yourself of God’s great gift in helping to expose and deal with the ‘self’ nature in you. Each time He exposes ‘self’ in you be quick to repent and ask Him to reveal more. Your training will go much faster and be less painful if you do this.
You are on a good path and we encourage you to keep listening and working with Jesus as He gets rid of ‘self’ in you. The journey will be hard, very hard at times, but please don’t quit. The rewards of a life lived without ‘self’ controlling, limiting and destroying us is beyond compare. Jesus is worth the sacrifice. Trust Him.
Blessings,
Homer and Wanda
My beloved Homer and Wanda, I felt this post was speaking directly to me. I am confident Holy Spirit led my fingers to open this app and after scrolling through the many posts of others, He led me to click on this and be fed. Wow! Thank You, Abba!
I love that God is a gentle surgeon who knows just how to navigate His scalpel in the areas of my heart to reveal and oft remove through different methods sin that stink. Many times the plucking is painful because the tendencies of self are etched deep within but I’m so thankful that He never quits because the issues are in a “tight spot.” He more concerned with me walking holy, than living happy.
Blessings to you both as you continue to surrender and yield all your wills to him. My love and faithful prayers with you both.
Deandra
We are so glad Deandra. You are a precious woman, blessed of God, close to His heart. I cannot even begin to describe how much you mean to our Beloved and how cherished you are. We are so honored that our Father led you here today and know that He is about to bless you in ways that will surprise you greatly.
Thank you so much dear sister. We are so blessed by your faithfulness and prayers. May His peace flood over you today!
Homer and Wanda
Awwww!
Hallelujah and Amen!
My heart swells with joy knowing I am loved by our Beloved and His banner over us is love. Whew! Such delight and such a blessing.
Love to you both ?
Amen!!!!!!!
Great post! Thank you for your gracious advice!
Thank you so much. Blessings to you!
You’re welcome! Blessings to you, too!
Thanks for this encouragement Homer and Wanda. The self nature is deceptive and causes grief if we don’t walk in the Spirit of self control. I thought of Romans 8:5 NIV as I was reading your post…
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
Excellent addition Dawn. Thank you ever so much. May His peace be your constant companion!
Blessings,
Homer and Wanda
You’re welcome! Blessings ?
Truthful post! ”But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16.
Amen! Thank you and may our Father bless you abundantly.
You’re welcome ?
Your post has reminded me of my own limitations.
I remember that earlier in my life I did think that I just needed a few adjustments in my spiritual life to be perfect. Gradually God keeps giving me more clarity about my nature. I see more of the self righteous, bitter, judgmental and envious traits that I have. Sometimes I try to justify my thoughts, but I can see that God is gradually revealing areas where I need to correct myself.
Guess I will see more and more of my ‘self’ as God works in me.
Thanks a lot Homer and Wanda!
Stay blessed!!
Thank you so much for your comment Eliza. It always blesses us when we see truth prevail. May our Father continue to bless you richly as you surrender all to Him!