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Identity and the Worship of Self

Identity and the Worship of Self

I recently listened to a podcast in which Canadian clinical psychologist, Jordan Peterson, reads a brilliant essay he wrote and made into a video entitled, Identity Fixation; if you haven’t watched it, I recommend that you do. But this video really got me thinking …

Do we trust God? Do we surrender ourselves in mind, body, and spirit to Him and trust Him with our life, our future, and our wellbeing? Do we actively seek to fulfill the purpose God has for us? Do we accept and seek to live by divine truth, reality as God designed and intends it? Do we actively surrender our will, like Jesus did, to the will of His Father? (Matthew 26:42).

Or do we reject divine truth, reality as God designed, created, and intends it, substituting it with either our own imaginings, wishes, fantasies, feelings, and desires or some perverted view advanced by the enemy of God?

Do we make the Creator the center of our heart’s desire, surrendering self to His supreme wisdom, trusting that what He wants for us is always best and that following where He leads will ultimately be in our eternal best interest—or do we allow our feelings, desires, and selfishness to replace God at the center of our hearts so that we not only embrace the false, but we also demand that others submit their understanding to our own?

As Christians, our identity is to be found in Christ. As the apostle Paul said,

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20 NIV84).

We are to die to the old selfish ways and to live a new life in Christ. We are to be Christlike, which means we have God’s law written upon our hearts (Hebrews 8:10); we are to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5); we are to see things with a new perspective so that the ways, methods, values, practices, and standards of the world are recognized as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:20–31). Are we doing this?

Or are we being deceived into keeping self at the center, allowing self to define reality, allowing feelings, desires, emotions, and selfishness to overrule the wisdom of God and the truth of His Word?

Is Jesus Christ supreme in our hearts, or do we require God and others to submit to us? Do we conform ourselves to God’s standard for life, or do we require others to submit to our standard? Do we seek to know the truth as it is in Jesus, or do we declare “this is my truth” and demand everyone else submit to our declared “truth”?

Have we fallen into the trap of substituting our identity in Christ for the world’s identity standards, which is the exaltation of narcissism—the worship of the self?

Do we see the world saying, “If you feel a certain way about yourself, then that is the way you are; objective reality does not matter, evidence does not matter, God’s Word does not matter; what matters is your internal feeling, belief, attitude, mindset; if you believe that you are a certain way, then the entire world—family, friends, co-workers, employers, everyone—must submit themselves to your feelings and acknowledge your declared subjective, emotional internal experience as their own standard of reality; and if people don’t submit to your feelings, then such people are intolerant, bigoted, and violent—and justice requires that they be punished”?

Or do we recognize divine truth, that we are in a war for hearts and minds and that our natural subjective feelings, desires, and emotions are impure, infected with unholy longing, are self-centered and narcissistic, and lead only to further self-injury and, ultimately, death? Do we believe that:

Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created (James 1:14–18 NIV84).

Do we submit to the revealed truth of God’s Word, or do we reject the Word of God and, instead, cling to our own emotions? Do we recognize the strong emotions and internal desires are tempting us and that it is only through the truth as it is in Jesus that we are reborn to a new and godly life—thereby finding our true identity in Jesus? Are we willing to submit to Christ to die to self, or do we demand the world submit to us?

When we have been truly converted, when we have died to fear and selfishness, when we have been reborn into the family of God and found our identity in Jesus, only then we will recognize the truth of what Paul wrote:

“Since … you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” [If we are truly converted, then we fix our hearts upon Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and when we submit our desires to Him, we receive a new identity with new motives, new desires, and new perspectives. We die to fear, to selfishness, to narcissism. We don’t demand the world conform to our feelings or fantasies. And because we have been transformed to be like Jesus in character, when He appears we will join Him in glory!]

But notice what the apostle says is necessary for us to live our new identity in Christ. We must:

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” [We must submit our feelings, desires, fantasies, and attitudes to divine truth. We must not make self supreme and claim our feelings as the standard of reality to which all others must submit—that is idolatry, the worship of self. Instead, the righteous humble themselves and crucify self to the truth as it is in Jesus.] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [For those who reject objective truth, reality as it is in Jesus, they damage their minds, warp their thinking, harden their hearts, sear their consciences, and eventually destroy the faculties that respond to love and truth; at that point, there is nothing more God can do for them. Thus, God lets them go to reap what they have sown into their own hearts and minds. This is known as God’s wrath (Romans 1:18–31)]. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [Old habits, old mistakes, old beliefs, and old practices can be replaced with the new—but only if we choose to surrender self in trust to Jesus.] But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. [Our old self is replaced with a new identity in Jesus. We look past the world’s identity politics of race, nationality, sex, economic status, and gender and, instead, look to character; are people living like Jesus, living out truth, love, and freedom in how they treat others? Or are people demanding others reject truth and submit to their fantasy views of self and then use whatever coercive methods they can employ to punish people who won’t submit to them?] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:1–14 NIV84). [Yes, the people of God, those whose identity is found in Jesus, will not collude with falsehood, will not allow the standards of this selfish world to be their own. Instead, they will live the truth, but compassionately, always in love, with genuine concern for those who love self more than God, because the righteous know that those who embrace the identity standards of this world are only destroying their own eternal souls.]

In the world today, self is supreme; one’s feelings determine the so-called “reality” that all others much recognize and praise. But the people of God recognize a higher standard, the source of infinite truth, the Creator of reality, the One who built life to operate upon the principles of love, and they will not submit their minds and hearts to the foolishness of this world but remember the wisdom of God:

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:2, 3 NIV84).

Don’t lose heart! Fix your eyes on Jesus and, no matter what scorn the world heaps upon you, you will not grow weary, you will not lose heart, but you will overcome in Jesus!

 

 

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Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA