We surely live in a world of every man to himself, and everyone for himself; hence, the natural inclination of an average person is to believe that all he or she needs to succeed or win or achieve anything in life, business, marriage, ministry or career is himself or herself. This inclination has become so pronounced in our generation that the bestselling books are books that claim to help each person achieve greatness independently. Hence, you hear of Self-Growth, Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem, Self-Image and lots more.While those books are not bad or evil; I believe that over-dependence on them and their principles, could make any man or woman to become full of himself or herself. 

Everyone has worth and everyone has esteem; however, becoming preoccupied with the thoughts of self-concept, self-esteem, self-worth, self-image and many others, would produce a sense of self in anyone.Everyone is so special and unique before God; however, He does not expect anyone to rely on self to get anything done. No wonder He says, "The arm of flesh will fail"; and He equally warned Zerubbabel in the book of Zechariah 4:6, "....Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit." There is a temptation that when the Lord instructs you to get something done for Him or His name; you sit down and begin to analyze yourself and psychoanalyze  yourself - until you come to a conclusion that the assignment is given to you by God because of one thing or the other in or about yourself.

The truth however is, God does not give assignments to the most qualified or exposed in human terms; but He enables anyone that He finds faithful and truthful. Such enablement of God for the successful and easy execution of God's counsel on the earth is called grace. Therefore, every wise person should desist from being full of self; but become full of grace. Remember, while God resists the proud (self-centred); He gives grace to (enables) the humble.Speaking about Jesus (the Man approved by God with signs, wonders and miracles) in the book of John 1:14, the Scripture says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH." And at a point when Apostle Paul was feeling discouraged, defeated or buffeted; the LORD spoke to him: "....My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Thank you for patience and openness in reading this article; my prayer for you in this season is a deliberate and thorough release of the grace of our God to you; and may your desire for self be greatly reduced by God's grace, which will be overwhelmingly supplied to you. Amen. 

Thanks for the gift of your time, A. Joshua Adedeji!
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