August 6

He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. — Prov 16:32 BSB

What a relentless enemy to our peace is our own spirit! And what shall I call it? Often, it seems like an infernal spirit. Why? Because it bears the marks of Satan. The pride, presumption, hypocrisy, and intense selfishness of our spirit are often hidden from us. This crafty devil, SELF, can wear so many disguises and take so many forms; this serpent, SELF, can creep, twist, and turn in such ways that it is often hidden even from ourselves.

Who is the greatest enemy we face? We all have enemies, but who is the greatest? It is the one you carry in your own heart—the companion that walks with you every day, every hour, every moment, entwining itself into nearly every thought and motivation. It is the one that sometimes fills you with pride, sometimes inflames you with lust, sometimes puffs you up with arrogance, and sometimes hides under false humility and a show of holiness.

This SELF must be conquered, for if SELF overcomes us, we will ultimately perish in its judgment. God is determined to bring down the pride of human glory. He will never allow self, which is just another word for our sinful nature, to wear the crown of victory. It must be crucified, denied, and put to death so that Christ may be exalted. In denying SELF, we place our trust in Jesus, and in crucifying SELF, we enter into a spiritual union with Him who was crucified on Calvary.

So, are we overcoming SELF? When we are insulted, what does SELF say? "Insult back." When we are despised, what does SELF say? "Despise in return. Answer insult with insult, angry word for angry word, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But what does the Spirit of God say to a tender conscience? "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

The way to overcome SELF is by looking away from ourselves to the One who was crucified on Calvary. We must take on His image in our hearts, be clothed in His likeness, drink deeply of His spirit, and "receive from His fullness grace upon grace."