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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Vanity (11/15/18)
I was thinking today how incredibly self-absorbed I am...how self-absorbed most of us are. Who can deny clicking impatiently through pictures to find the ones we're in? Whenever I see pictures of myself, I scrutinize them closely and then decide they're just not good pictures of me. My dad used to ask me what I thought I looked like. Good question.

Now with the advent of Facebook, twittering and blogging there's more of a "Me, Me, Me!" mentality than ever. My friend commented that Facebook finally gave some people a legitimate platform to brag about themselves. We haven't changed; we're still like little children, wanting our tiniest accomplishments duly noted..."watch me, watch me Mama".

Something happened to my sister that highlighted the absurdity of posting every moment's activity on Facebook (as if anyone cares). She had left her iphone in a public restroom. Fortunately the wiseacre who found it didn't steal it, but did take the audacious liberty to update her
Facebook status to "I am pooping." Thankfully, Kristie must have received a few "TMI" or "Ewwww" comments to alert her to the fact that something was up and she was able to delete it before too many people saw it.

Perhaps most insidious of all is self-absorption disguised as self-improvement. Being encouraged to think it's in our power to make our lives perfect, to be anything we want to be, to believe that we deserve an easy, happy life.

We don't deserve anything and yet millions of books are sold telling us that we do--that if only we believe in ourselves we will feel worthy and be happy. I know for a fact that my unhappiest days are those when I'm focusing too much on myself and what I want.

I am so susceptible to forever trying to improve my outward appearance at the expense of neglecting my soul. God offers to satisfy my soul with "love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control" (Gal. 5:22).

Nothing of worth is obtained without self-discipline and an undisciplined life is never satisfying. The Bible tells me that the focus of my life should be on God and His perfect plan for me and that I should consider others above myself (Phil. 2:3). Exactly the opposite of what the world peddles.

With the arrival of a New Year it's difficult to avoid all the clamoring for self-improvement and self-gratification but I'm hoping to make strides in being a little less self-absorbed and a little more God-absorbed. I know it's not going to be easy but I was inspired recently by an interview I saw with Billy Graham. He was asked if he had any regrets. He said his only regrets were that he hadn't prayed and meditated more; that he hadn't spent more time just adoring his Savior.

Think about it... Billy Graham's(!) only regrets were that he didn't live a more God-focused life.
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This article has been read 776 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jennifer Woodley 
11/23/18
Thank you for the concise and clear reminder that we are to become more absorbed with God than ourselves.
Claudia Barrington
11/24/18
What if everyone who posted in Challenge entries also commented on/critiqued at least three others? I'm shocked that so many post, and so few read and post a review for others. It seems only a few people have the courtesy to critique but would like the critiques on their own. I am new here, and originally was excited about this site. If you are one who DOES regularly read and comment on others work, then may the Lord bless you mightily and publish you quickly.
Linda Lawrence
11/25/18
You make several good points and interesting observations. I would suggest that before you write your piece you make an outline of the points you are considering including and then aim to have a connection between the opening and closing paragraphs. Decide how you want to end your piece, and that may help you decide where to begin it. This is a good piece but with thought-out shaping, it could be even better.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/29/18
This is an outstanding piece. For me the opening was a tad slow. I might have considered starting off with the part about Billy Graham and then bring the ending full-circle with your last line. That part about his interview drew me. I know I've read a good story when it makes me think about my life. You definitely did that. Your points are great, and the message profound. Congratulations on your EC. Happy Dance.