Self-Assertion

Self-Assertion

“Word of the cross drives all folly out—gone forever, without a doubt! It drives foolishness far away; there’s no surer, more perfect way.” WotL 182. Despite the fact that we have been reconciled through Jesus’ death of atonement for us, there is still a great deal of foolishness that dwells in our flesh. All sin is foolishness, and self-assertion is surely one of the greatest follies that dwell there.

James writes in Ch. 3:14-16: “But if you have bitter envy and self-assertion in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-assertion exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” [Norw.]

Even if we do not have this in our hearts, we do have this terrible sin in our flesh. If we are not alert, it will manifest itself in our daily lives, at home, at work, and in our service in the church. It has a destructive effect on the fellowship that we are so eager to help build. Our strong “I” creates disorder and everything that is evil.

Perhaps we receive an exhortation from someone, and if we are to receive it, we have to humble ourselves. It shows how strong self-assertion is in our flesh.

Here, the word of the cross has the glorious effect of driving out all this foolishness, all this self-assertion—the very nature of the antichrist. It will bring warmth and fellowship.

“So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.’” John 13:12-15.

Here we see Jesus’ mind and nature. He, our great Lord and Master, went down and served His disciples, saying: “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” This must have made a huge impression on the disciples, and through this we have all been given a powerful example of how we should work and serve in the church. All that is stiff, proud, and exalted destroys fellowship, while those who continue to humble themselves receive grace to build.

Song no. 353 was written for Aksel J. Smith’s funeral, and in verse 4 it says: “Those who are bowed partake in transformation. From evil cleansed, God’s goodness then flows in; then from their hearts flow comfort, consolation. They have the blessed mind of Christ within.”

When the word of the cross is able to have an effect on self-assertion, then this foolishness is driven out day by day. We are transformed within and become truly humble. Then goodness can also flow out from us, bringing comfort and encouragement to everyone who longs for salvation in Jesus Christ.