Shun unhealthy self-focus (4)

Hannah Whitall Smith wrote, “It is no use for us to examine self and tinker with it in hope of improving it. The thing the Lord wants us to do is to get rid of it.” Your old nature is determined to hold your attention; it would rather be thought of badly than not at all. In the process of examining your flesh and feeling miserable, you’re apt to think you are being humble, honest, and spiritual. But the only spiritual and safe way to handle your fleshly nature is to consign it to the “ignore file” and anchor your attention and expectations exclusively on the Lord. David understood how this principle worked: “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Looking at your own “clay feet” (weaknesses and failures) and the “snare” (your unregenerate flesh) you’re tangled in won’t free you from the trap. You’ll just end up further entangled. Only God, together with your cooperation, can release you from the trap of the flesh. Keeping your “eyes…ever on the Lord” is His way of giving you the victory. Listen again to what David said: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord…I will not be shaken…You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:8, 11 NIV). Your job is simple, though not necessarily easy—it’s to ignore your fleshly cravings and stay focused on Jesus. His job is to transform you by His mighty power!