Self And Sin
James Cudd

The letter "i " is at the heart of the word "sin." The center of sin is "self " Sin can be traced back to our selfish desires, wants, appetites, ambitions, and cravings. This is spelled out vividly in the Bible:

• Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit because of selfish desires (Genesis 3).
• Cain murdered his brother, Abel, because he was more concerned about his own selfish feelings of anger and jealousy after his offering was rejected, while Abel's was accepted (Genesis 4).
• Jacob was interested in what self could obtain (Esau's birthright) and took advantage of his brother to get it (Genesis 25).
• Achan had his covetous eyes on what self could get its hands on. He stole the Babylonish mantle and the silver and gold following the triumph over Jericho. He finally admitted, "I coveted them " (Joshua 6 and 7).
• King David sought to fulfill his selfish, lustful desires toward Bathsheba, another man's wife (II Samuel 11). He failed to control himself
• Self was at the heart of the lying and hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5).
• The younger son was seeking to satisfy self in his "riotous living" (Luke 15).

When we set out to satisfy the desires of self, others are often hurt. Innocent ones, even those we love, suffer pain, anguish, and heartache. In our longing to do "what I want to do no matter whom it hurts," we demonstrate that our concern is only for self. Our focus is narrow, all we can think about is me, myself, and I. We do not consider how this act will adversely affect the lives of others, and especially how it will hurt God. We are content, though, for we got what we wanted. Sin is difficult to overcome because "self" is difficult to overcome. The apostle Paul has the answer. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me" (Galatians 2:20). The Greek word for "I" in this passage is “ego". Egotism is "a passionate and exaggerated love of self." Like Paul, we must dethrone self and enthrone Christ. Self must be crucified. All egotism, self-centeredness, self-seeking, and self-serving that would lead to sin must be eliminated. "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself . (Luke 9:23). ❧

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to Frances Black and her family in the death of her granddaughter, Amanda Graham, who was killed in an automobile accident this last week. Funeral services were held yesterday in Winter Haven. Please remember Sister Black and her family in your daily prayers.

TONIGHT! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s that time of the year again - when the men of the congregation show their appreciation to the ladies of the congregation by preparing and serving them a spaghetti dinner in the annex. All are invited – after the evening services tonight.

Ladies’ Luncheon
The Ladies are scheduled to meet for their monthly luncheon and devotional tomorrow (Monday) at 11:30am in the annex. All of our ladies are invited to attend.

Home Bible Study
The regular monthly Home Bible Study and Devotional will be hosted by Jim and Janie Hall this coming Saturday evening (16^th) at 6:00. Sign the sheet in the foyer if you plan to attend.

Change Your Directory
Please make the following change of address to your directory information:

AMIDON, Bruce & Tammy...***-****
Victor, Nathan, Benjamin
**** **** *** - Lakeland, FL *****

Children’s Class
Our youngsters meet each Sunday evening at 5:40 for a short period of story and song. The scheduled teacher for this evenings session is Bob Bauer.

UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:
      Mar. 16, 2002 - Ladies’ Day
      Orange Street church of Christ
     Speaker: Joyce Kidwell Stearsman