Four Ways to Feel Good about Yourself

Matthew 3 ends with the Heavenly Father announcing, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus probably felt good about Himself. He had been baptized and was about to launch His public ministry. Then in chapter 4 the devil came crashing in with his temptations. Here are four ways to feel good about yourself, three devilish and one divine.

  1. PLEASURES, v 3

  2. POWER, v 6

  3. POSSESSIONS, v 8-9

  4. PROMISES, v 17

Worldly substitutes are short-lived (1 John 2:16-17). Jesus rejected the devil’s temptation. He knew the best and most enduring way to feel good about oneself is take God at His word and believe what He has said about you.

Distractions to Worship

Mary consistently worshiped Jesus. She is seen at the feet of Jesus near the beginning and the end of His earthly ministry. What a remarkable woman to learn from. She worshiped Jesus despite the distractions that tried to pull her away from the Lord. Today we battle the same distractions.

THERE IS THE DISTRACTION OF THINGS

Luke 10 describes meal preparation led by Mary's sister, Martha. Can you hear the clanking of the pots and pans? Can you smell the bread coming out of the oven and the roasted meat on the fire? Martha is nearly hysterical as she pleads with Jesus, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me alone to serve?" The Lord gently chides her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosed the good portion, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:40-42). 

THERE IS THE DISTRACTION OF PEOPLE

John 12 describes another meal. This was a banquet celebrating the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. Martha knows better than to bother Mary who is again at the feet of Jesus this time pouring out costly perfume upon His feet. The devil-inspired disciple Judas now is the one who challenges Mary's worship, "Why was this ointment not sold and the money given to the poor?" Here again Jesus defends Mary's worship, "Leave her alone . . . the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me (John 12:5-8).

Worship is not easy. Both private and corporate worship must overcome these twin distractions. There are always good things to do and there are always needy people to help. May God give us grace to ignore every distraction and worship the Lord.

The Tactics of our Enemy, Part 1

The Bible warns us the devil is cunning and wiley. He has schemes and tactics. 

Revelation 12:9 tells us Satan is deceptive. He tries to get us to wander or go astray. 

Our adversary, Satan, tempts us. His lies include the following:

  • "No one will find out"
  • "There won't be consquences"
  • "God is keeping you from having fun"

Satan makes sin seem better than it is. But oh dear one, hear me: the devil is a chronic liar. Temptation leads to sin and sin leads to death. Don't be fooled.