The Problem with Self

FLASHBACK.

God asked Adam a simple question, "Where are you?" (Gen. 3:9)

In the past, Adam had intimate fellowship with God. But now he responded in fear and hid his self.

God gave a follow-up question, "Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?" (v. 11)

Then, from here, the problem of self begun.

The man blamed God. He also blamed the woman.

Adam responded, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." (v. 12)

The woman blamed the serpent rather than her self for her sin.

Eve said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." (v. 13)

Ever since that day in the Garden of Eden, this problem of self remains in human nature. The self tends to blame others rather than itself for its sinful choices.

FAST FORWARD.

David prayed, "I acknowledged my sin to You and my iniquity I have not hidden" (Psalm 32:5).

The man did not excuse himself and blame others. He admitted the wrong done by his self.

A first step in overcoming the problem of self is to take responsibility.

For if one does not, the problem of self and sin will only worsen.

We always have a choice.