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Jesus resisted this self-focused temptation by choosing to do something counter-intuitive to self-sufficiency: He humbled Himself to the will of God (John 6:38). He had enough sense to know that someone else had to direct His life.
Self-sufficiency is the self-deceiving and isolating process of trying to be stronger and stronger while resisting other people’s help, especially help from the Lord. It is a sinful desire to build a lifestyle and reputation that releases a person from trusting God or needing assistance from their friends.
While his self-reliance projects the image of being strong and in control, the reality is that the individual is weak and not in control. It’s an illusion. All of humanity needs God’s favor and empowering grace. A self-reliant spirit is a form of insanity—when you pretend to be something you are not. We are broken, depraved, and dependent creatures. We cannot accomplish and sustain anything outside of God’s proactive intervention, provision, and undergirding power.
Ironically, you are God-dependent, whether you want to admit it or not. The world is clamoring to promote themselves while trying to prove to anyone who will listen that they have it together because they have tapped into their true selves and achieved greatness—according to how they define success.
Rick Thomas leads a training network for Christians to assist them in becoming more effective soul care providers. RickThomas.Net reaches people around the world through consulting, training, podcasting, writing, counseling, and speaking.
In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology, and in 1991 he received a BS in Education. In 1993 he was ordained into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).