"The Unchecked Ego" - A Message from Daniel 4

As we have just endured another political season, what more relevant topic is there than the Unchecked Ego.

Many, especially those in power, believe theirs is a right to do as they please without regard to the wishes and will of God.  But God will not be mocked!

In this message I note the Pitfalls of the Unchecked Ego's Life, using Nebuchadnezzar as an example. Then I attempt to encourage the listener to live a selfless life...one in which the driving force is reliant on and motivated by the Lord Himself.

Let me know what you think as you listen. I would love to hear your feedback.  God bless, Kirk McCormick

The Challenge of Selfless Living

Daniel 4:1-37

  

Pitfall 1 – “I am impressed with my accomplishments.”

Daniel 4:20-22 – “The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching

the sky, visible to the whole earth, with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the beasts of the field, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds of the air — you, O king, are that tree!

1 Peter 5:6 - “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Pitfall 2 of the Unchecked Ego – “The rules don’t apply to me.”

Daniel 4:19c - “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!”

Pitfall 3 of the Unchecked Ego – “I know better than God.”

** We see defiance in a multiple of passages:

verse 2 (again) – “It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous sings and wonders that the Most High God has performed FOR ME!”

verse 8b – “(He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)”

verse 9 – “I said, ‘Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you…”

3 Things to Remember to Live the Selfless Life

First…God-reliance is more secure than self-reliance.

QUOTE:  J. Edgar Hoover -

“Through many years of active public life and through observing many kinds of people, I have found that the strongest, wisest, most competent and reliable man is the one who is first to admit his own inadequacy.  Contradictory as it may sound, he is strong because he is humble, and he always remembers that man is a creation of God.  To trust in the Lord with all the heart is a mark of strength.  It is the only path to true fulfillment.”

2 Chronicles 16:8 – Prophet Hanani said to King Asa - “When you relied on the LORD, he delivered them [their enemies] into your hand.  For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

Second…Generosity is more satisfying than Domination.

Acts 20:35 – “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Third…Eternity lasts...the rest is just an illusion.

Matthew 6:33 – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)