This generation is called the “me generation.” There is talk of self-esteem, self-worth, self-realization. Marriages fall apart because each says, “My needs are not being met.” Psychologists and counselors are inundated with people who feel frustrated because life is not giving them all they think they deserve.
Life focuses upon self for many. Seminars are held and books are written to encourage self-esteem and self-assertiveness. One popular preacher asserts that the greatest sin today is a lack of self-esteem: “Wake up in the morning; look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are the greatest!”
In reaction to this, some Christians are preaching that man is worthless. With Job they would say that the “son of man . . . is a worm” (Job 25:6 NKJ). Did not Paul say, “For I know in me (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing” (Rom. 7:18)? Man is depraved and defiled, ugly and detestable.
What is true of man’s nature in his unconverted days? Is there nothing left of the image of God (Gen. 1:27)? The Scripture does teach that no part of man is unaffected by sin. His mind is liable to deception and rationalization (Titus 3:3). We were enslaved to sin, unable to break its hold (Rom. 6:17). Our intellect, our emotions, our will–all is tainted by sin. Paul speaks of the “filthiness of the flesh and spirit” (2 Cor. 7:1).
But even in his broken condition as a sinner, there is something wonderful about man. The image of God has been defaced, but not erased. David says of man, “Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands” (Ps. 8:4-6).
In his unconverted state, man still does amazing and beautiful things in science, in art and in music. At times he does kind and noble acts. Yet all are tainted by selfishness and sin. Man in his natural state cannot please God. He is a rebel and must lay down his arms. He must surrender.
At salvation this happens. Repentance is vital, a radical change of mind about himself and his actions. He is a sinner, deserving the judgment and wrath of a holy God. He must acknowledge this and desire to turn from sin. “He who covers his sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Prov. 28:13). Jesus said repentance was essential in salvation (Lk. 13:3) and the gospel message must always include repentance (Acts 17:30). This will bring a brokenness, an abhorrence of oneself and his actions. A person must realize his guilt and helplessness.
But with the gospel also comes hope. God sees value and worth in the sinner. The sinner is unworthy, but not worthless. Christ would not die for irredeemable garbage. “God so loved the world that He gave . . . .” Blessed message of hope for the broken, devastated sinner! There can be forgiveness–“the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin.” By receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour, one can be freed from the guilt and penalty of a broken law (Gal. 3:13).
Not only is the law satisfied, but the sinner receives new life from God (2 Cor. 5:17), and the Holy Spirit comes to indwell him (1 Cor. 6:19). The power and energy of God can now flow through him, enabling him to overcome sin and live a life for God. A life utterly broken by sin can now be healed and made something beautiful. No wonder John Newton, a depraved slave trader, could write after salvation, “Amazing grace!” What dignity and sense of worth can now mark the believer! He is a child of the King of kings.
The believer must walk humbly before his God. Although a child of God, he still has the old nature and should be aware of his utter dependence upon God to live a holy life. At times the flesh surges up and humiliates him and he realizes he is not in glory yet. But after such a time, there is forgiveness and healing, a fresh sense of the grace of God and of his own weakness (1 Jn. 1:9). Through it all he can cling to God’s commitment and faithfulness–“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5).
There is the confidence that God is working in his life and will not give up (Phil. 1:6). This process of change, of conformity to the character of Christ, takes place gradually, “from glory to glory” (2 Cor. 3:18). The spirit of God works patiently in the lives of God’s children. One day this process will be completed. We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 Jn. 3:2). It is the blessed hope of our Lord’s return.
The believer is not to be occupied with self. He knows in himself he is unworthy of salvation and deserves eternal hell. Self did not save him and self cannot improve him. To be occupied with self is to be plunged into despair. “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Rom. 7:24). Our salvation began by looking to the Lord Jesus, not self. Our continuing sanctification depends upon looking at Him, not self. We are exhorted to be looking away from all else “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). He alone can give victory and triumph in our lives.