Less of Everything Else

“We rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
PHILIPPIANS 3:3

Can you see that “Self-Esteem” actually takes you further away from Christ-Esteem? Self-esteem increases Self. But Paul said we rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh. When I have lost confidence in myself then I can put all my confidence in Christ. He is increased as I am decreased.

Some years ago I was teaching at a men’s retreat. I was met at the airport and we stopped to get something to eat on the way to the retreat area. The brothers were excited and looking forward to the weekend. One of them exclaimed, “I just want more of the Lord! More of the Lord!” I was about to agree when the Holy Spirit gave me a flash of new understanding. I said, “Brother, it is not more of the Lord that we need; we just need less of everything else!” Of course there is nothing wrong with wanting more of the Lord, but there is so much that gets in the way of Him already.

Source: Embrace the Cross by Chip Brogden