Fullness of Self
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” (Isaiah 2:22)
In our Christian journey, we are governed by one of two powers: the self-life or the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. The self-life leads to turmoil and strife, while life in the Spirit brings peace, purpose, and joy.
J.H. McC. describes the self-life as an “awful power” that resists the Spirit's work, grieves God, and suffocates the fruits of the Spirit. N.G. reminds us that the knowledge of self is vital, second only to knowing the Lord Jesus. Understanding our own nature prepares us to fully embrace the transformative power of the Spirit. F.M. encourages us to surrender self to the cross, allowing the Holy Spirit to keep the old nature in the place of death so that Christ may have preeminence.
The journey to spiritual growth often begins with the humbling realization of our insufficiency. As Job declared, "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:5–6).
Reflection: The Overflowing Cup
Imagine a cup filled to the brim with water, leaving no room for anything else. This represents the self-life—our cup is full of our own ambitions, desires, and efforts. As long as the cup remains full of self, there is no space for the living water of the Spirit.
God, in His wisdom, allows life’s challenges to gently (and sometimes not so gently) tip our cup. As the contents spill out, we are invited to surrender what was never meant to sustain us. In that emptying, the Spirit fills us with living water, bringing refreshment, purpose, and true fulfillment.
Practical Applications
Surrender Self: Take time to acknowledge areas of your life where the self-life resists God’s will. In prayer, yield these areas to the Lord.
Reflect Honestly: Like Job, allow moments of clarity to humble you, acknowledging your need for Christ’s life in you.
Welcome Transformation: Embrace trials as opportunities for the Spirit to replace self with Christ's life.
Thought-Provoking Questions
What areas of your life reveal the dominance of the self-life?
How might embracing the knowledge of self lead you into deeper dependence on Christ?
What would your life look like if the Spirit had full preeminence?
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gentle and persistent way You reveal the fullness of self within us. We recognize that our own strength and striving lead only to frustration and emptiness. We rest in Your work to transform us, making space for Your Spirit to fill our lives with Your peace and purpose. We trust You to guide us, knowing that You are always faithful to complete the good work You have begun in us. In Christ's name, amen.
(Credit: Adapted from the "Abide Above" devotional)