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Time for Self-Evaluation
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidSome individuals come from painful backgrounds and have been molested or told from childhood that they were useless, resulting in a very low opinion of themselves. These experiences leave scars that hinder accurate self-examination. Such persons may not like themselves and may wonder how God could like them. They may judge themselves harshly due to past mistakes and feel unworthy in certain cases. This approach to self-examination stands in contrast to a superficial review that overlooks needed changes. God requires an honest inspection of the heart's attitude to confirm progress and enable confident participation with a right heart.
Celebrating Birthdays
Article by Martin G. CollinsA central premise in education and childrearing is instilling self-esteem in youth, supposedly to give them confidence and motivation to succeed in life. There is no surer method to produce competition and strife. The Word of God teaches that nothing should be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind each should esteem others better than himself. This latter attitude produces peace, cooperation and unity. A birthday party places all the attention on one individual, upon whom is bestowed attention, praise, honor and gifts. This provides a boost to the self-esteem. A young child, without wisdom and maturity, might come to expect or even demand such attention, which could evolve into self-centeredness. Celebrating birthdays promotes wrong attitudes of pride and selfishness. Once a man is misled by Satan, he becomes a misleader himself, leading others down the road to destruction. A true Christian is God-centered rather than self-centered and gives honor to Him rather than himself.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The permissive approach in childrearing produces an inflated self-esteem. Having self-esteem of and by itself is alright. God wants people to have self-esteem, but it must be balanced with humility. That balance is very difficult indeed, perhaps virtually impossible, because the source is Satan's spirit. Satan cannot be truly humble. Satan can be very charming, but charm is deceitful.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As parents, we can protect our children from death and destruction if we discourage the self-absorptive pulls through correction and discipline.
Kid Kid-Killers
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe rash of school shootings in America definitely has a cause, but it is not the ones that the experts predictably blame on the evening news.
What Makes Generation "Me" Tick?
Commentary by David F. MaasOver the past six decades (from the Boomer Generation to the Millennial generation), individuals have grown more narcissistic, entitled and miserable.
Growing Up
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChildren who learn to obey their parents (and by extension, the laws of God and society) save themselves from untold grief later in life.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We cannot instill sound-mindedness in our offspring unless we are personally filled with the fruits of God's Holy Spirit, modeling these for our children.
Living By Faith and Human Pride
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod wants us to walk—live our lives—by faith, but our pride and vanity frequently get in the way. Critically, pride causes us to reject God and His Word.
Strengthening the Family
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod ordained marriage and the family for the physical and spiritual growth and nurturing of children. God's goal is a Family composed of mature spirit beings.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Two): Cultivating Love
Sermon by David F. MaasThe opposite of selfishness is not self-hatred, but mature self-love, loving ourselves as a responsible, caring parent would (or should) love a growing child.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
Pride, Humility, and Fasting
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe intent of fasting is to deflate our pride—the major taproot of sin—the biggest deterrent to a positive relationship with God. Humility heals the breach.
Faith (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe hallmark of Christian character is humility, which comes about only when one sees himself in comparison to God. Pride makes distorted comparisons.
When Actions Contradict Stated Beliefs
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHypocrisy consists of professing beliefs or virtues that one does not genuinely possess. The primary motivator is pride, and its resulting sin is lying.
Surprise Attack
Sermon by Bill OnisickAny thought not aligned to God's Spirit is satanic, including bragging, putting others down, being puffed up with arrogance, or putting anything before God.
Feelings of Inadequacy
Sermonette bySeveral Bible luminaries, including Moses and Jeremiah, expressed timidity that God had to correct in them. Paul relied on God to add what he lacked.
Me, Myself, and You
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThis generation promotes self-gratification, self-realization, and self-indulgence, with a plethora of self-help books elevating self interest above others.
Unlovable
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityIf God's people do not believe they are lovable, they may deprive others of a blessing by refusing to accept charitable help from a spiritual sibling.
Bad Is The New Good For Girls!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe transition from girlhood to womanhood has been made difficult because of impossible societal demands requiring young women to become sexy supermodels.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGenuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.