I Was Always on My Mind

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselvesbut for him who died for them and was raised again.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)

Welcome to my 10-day study, “What About Me?!” I am so glad you decided to join me because this is a very important topic that we all need to study if we’re going to truly enjoy life and grow into mature followers of Jesus Christ. I hope you’re thoroughly encouraged by today’s message—it’s one that has honestly transformed my life in ways I never imagined.

Years ago, when I was still a new Christian, I spent a lot of time focusing on me…what I wanted, what I thought, and how I felt. I was selfish and self-centered, and in addition to that, I was filled with self-pity. Every morning, I woke up thinking about myself, and I was foremost in my mind throughout each day.

One morning while lying in bed, I started thinking about myself, what I planned to do that day, and what my family was going to do. Dave was going to play golf, and the kids were going swimming in the neighborhood pool. I thought: Everyone else is going to have fun, but I have to work all day! My mood sunk, and I thought, What about me?!

Suddenly, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and showed me a picture of what I was like: a little robot that the devil wound up with selfish thoughts, and all He heard out of me was, “What about me? What about me? Beep. Beep. What about me?” In a moment God revealed to me just how selfish I was.

At first, it was difficult for me to admit that I was selfish. But facing my self-centeredness and letting God deal with it has been a rewarding, life-changing journey for me, and I believe it will be for you too. And if you know how much God loves you, it will not bother you when He shows you something about yourself that needs to change.

It’s easy to want to go through life with an attitude that says, I’m looking out for #1. And if you’ve been hurt or taken advantage of in any way (like I was), it becomes a defense mechanism to protect yourself. But in reality, selfishness only isolates us and makes us miserable. That is why God wants to show us a better way.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to turn that selfie camera around and put your focus where it belongs…on God and the people around you? I hope so because it’s the best way to live and be truly happy.

Adapted from the book What About Me? by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2024 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Let’s Pray: “God, it is so easy to go through the day just thinking about me. So, help me focus more of my attention on Your Word and the people around me. Show me ways I can be kind, helpful, and encouraging to others. And when I am tempted to be selfish, help me to remember that choosing to care about the needs of others will bring me more joy. Amen.”

Family Activity: Do the robot dance! Have a good laugh and give each family member a chance to share a time in the past week when they were acting just like the “What about Me” robot. Agree as a family to watch out for the return of the robot (in your own lives), and ask God to help you do your best at putting other people first.