Devotional–The Power of Self-Governance

Devotional Reading—The Power of Self-Governance

Self-governance, self-government, or self-rule is the ability of a person or group to exercise all necessary functions of regulation without intervention from an external authority.

Many decades ago, a well-known singer wrote a very popular song entitled, “I Did It My Way.” Using a timeline of approximately 6,000 years from Creation to now proves that humanity has always done it our way. From Adam and Eve to Cain and the Nation of Israel whom God freed from Egyptian enslavement—we have challenged the precepts and commands of God.

This morning I had an interesting conversation about the decline of the moral fiber and value system of today’s society. Although we would like to believe that this level of wickedness has escalated for the first time–in the 21st century, human beings have always strived for self-governance. In the time of Noah, except for eight people, everyone lived according to their mindset. So the modern concept of “Truth is whatever I believe it to be,” is not new.

What makes the difference is that people no longer hide their mindsets and lifestyles. The facade of pretense is no more. We are boldly proclaiming our freedom of choice to speak, act, and live according to our preferences. Even so, there is a quote, “You can do as you like, but not for as long as you like.”

The deception of self-governance is the supposed freedom and empowerment that it gives. Many corporations are bankrupt, and embezzlement, financial scams, and identity theft have risen to an all-time high. The marriage of husband and wife is no longer sacred and gender assignment is touted as if human beings can change their chromosomes.

The result of self-governance has created a destructive path of political chaos, unresolved social issues, famine, extinction of animals, hatred, and climate change on our earth. Yet, we choose to blame others while we have secretly joined the revolution. You may experience a self-righteous moment by telling yourself I certainly do not support the lifestyle of the pro-choicers.

Sadly, you are likely a significant part of the rebellion against the external authority of God. Christians have a different standard by which they judge themselves. We look at certain sins of degradation and pride ourselves that we would never do those things. Yet, there are only two options available to humanity: Obedience to God or Obedience to Satan.

If your life decisions [insignificant daily choices or significant life events] do not include praying for God’s will to be done in your life first, then you do not submit to the external authority of God. You are functioning in the mode of self-rule.

“…The way of the transgressor [unfaithful] is hard.” Proverbs 13:15

Truthfully, self-governance feels great. Chasing our heart’s desires and fulfilling our dreams and goals gives us a great sense of satisfaction. When we purchase homes or vehicles, start a business, change jobs, or enter a relationship or marriage without praying and seeking God’s approval and blessings, we have to struggle to keep it.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” Jeremiah 10:23

Whether we like it or not, God did not create humanity to function without His loving guidance. When believers refuse to submit to the authority of God, we suffer the consequences. It may take weeks, months, or years, but the impact of self-governance will eventually bring us to our knees. We will either repent or end up with bitterness and animosity toward God for the negative outcome of the decisions that we chose to make without Divine guidance.

God will never take away our free will of choice. Yet, we must decide between surrendering to the perfect will of God or not. Believers of the Most High God, please realize there is no middle ground!

Many people think that Jesus was a radical rebel. When Jesus was on this earth, He learned obedience—His obedience extended to the external authority of God, His earthly parents, and the Roman government. Jesus was in total opposition to the oppression from the hypocritical Pharisees. Yet, His every decision was in alignment with God, His Father, even to the death required for our redemption on the Cross of Calvary.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” –Jeremiah 17:9

God has forewarned us—we cannot judge the condition of our hearts. Do not become entrapped in Satan’s snare of self-governance. Knowledge of the scriptures and the spiritual insight [given to us by the Holy Spirit] tell us we are living in the last days of earth’s history. Surrender to the external authority of God, our Father, and have a blessed life complete with joy and peace.

Bible Verse: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain a rich understanding. His praise endures forever!” –Psalm 111:10

Prayer: God, we desperately need Your help! We are thinking and living according to our love of self-rule and for this sin, we ask forgiveness. We ask You to reveal your will for our lives. We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to direct us and give us wisdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.