I spend too much time thinking about myself. The space between my ears easily fills with thoughts of myself. I think too much about my wants and the efforts I put into my projects and plans, my work, my way, and my ideas. When confronted with something other than my ideas, my pride kicks in.
Pride? Yes. Pride in the sense I mean, according to Webster’s dictionary, is an exaggerated self-esteem or conceit. Thinking more of oneself than is healthy would be my definition if I were to write a dictionary.
*I don’t plan on writing a dictionary.*
When you pray His Kingdom come
Jesus addressed this when He was teaching His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. Be patient with me for a moment, and let’s look briefly at this very familiar prayer.
When I read these verses early this morning, I was reminded that even when I pray, I think of myself more than I should. Jesus had to instruct me early in His teaching on how to pray to keep my focus on things besides myself. Jesus teaches us to pray for His Kingdom to come, not our kingdom to come, and to pray for what He wants done, not our wants done.
Jesus emphasized those things because He is aware of our tendencies. We are inherently prone to getting wrapped up in our kingdoms and wants.
For example, I stress over what unknowns the day may bring or about something I want. How will I pay my bills? What will I do if bad news comes? And what about that dress I’ve been eyeing online? My mind begins to plan for the “what if” moments of life or how to get that dress I want.
Everything falls into place
In His teaching on prayer, Jesus prioritized the Kingdom of God. He did this because everything else falls into place when we put God’s Kingdom first.
“Don’t always think about what you will eat or what you will drink, and don’t keep worrying. All the people in the world are trying to get these things, and your Father knows you need them. But seek God’s kingdom, and all your other needs will be met as well.”
Luke 12:29-31 NCV
Everything we need is in God’s Kingdom. By keeping this in the forefront of our prayers and minds, we won’t think too much about ourselves.
It’s simple yet effective. I won’t be thinking too much about myself today. He’s got everything under control, so I don’t have to worry.
His Kingdom come.
Perfect reminder for me right now. Thank you.
We’ve both been reminded!
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