Blessing our Nation in Perspective

 Elections are done. Winners won. Regardless of who we vote for or who we wanted to win, we now must do what a believer does to bless the nation.

When blessing our nation, we must be sure why we do it. Otherwise, it will be easy to just change our minds.

Here are 3 questions to help us put blessing our nation as an individual in perspective.

1. Why pray for authorities?

...so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 2 Timothy 2:2

It directly benefits us from its blessing.

"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7 NIV

God directs their hearts.

In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. Proverbs 21:1 NIV

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12 NIV

Praying for authorities keeps us from cursing them. It makes us hold on to the fact that God can do something.

Of course we don't just pray. We do our part - pay taxes, abide the law, help our community.

2. Why trust in God?

If it is us making things happen, or if politicians direct our nation's path, then why do we need to trust in God?

Clearly, the Bible teaches us to pray for those in authority and to submit to them. The same Bible teaches us to put our hope in God and God alone.

⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

“Only God can give us the protection that we need. Even the most powerful people who may have shown delight in us can suddenly change their minds and become against us.”

Here are two actual authorities who changed their stand about protecting certain individuals:

Pilate on Jesus

• ³⁸“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. ³⁹But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” John 18:38-39 NIV

• Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” John 19:4 NIV

• Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. John 19:16 NIV

• When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” Matthew 27:24 NIV

Notice how Pilate went from, "I find no basis of charges against him" to "handing him over to be crucified" to "I am innocent of this man's blood" in just a matter of hours. This must be a warning to anyone who puts their trust on man, and not in God.

King Nebuchadnezzar on Daniel

• ⁴⁷The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” ⁴⁸Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. Daniel 2:47-48 NIV

• ¹³Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” ¹⁴When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. ¹⁵Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” ¹⁶So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” Daniel 6:13-16 NIV

There is Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, so as John the Baptist. Protected by authorities until they did not.

This is how fast man's decision change. Therefore, we must put our trust in God, not on man, not on any authority other than God Himself.

3. Why look unto Jesus?

On all these events, God, not any high-ranking government official, was the one who saved these men. Because they put their trust in God, not on man.

Jesus is the God who never changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV

If we don't keep our eyes on Jesus,

• we might look at authorities as our savior.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV

• we might believe we are self-sufficient.

21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:21-23 NIV

• we might end up following the enemy.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23 NIV

Remember our goal

• To be Christlike, not just a model citizen.

• To win souls, not recruit party members.

• To make Jesus the center, not our heroes nor ourselves.

¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

 

Conclusion

By praying for authorities, trusting in God, and looking unto Jesus, we begin to be a blessing to our beloved nation.

When a Mother is Mothering

In Exodus 1, Pharaoh ordered Hebrew midwives to kill newborn Hebrew boys. When they refused because of fear of the Lord, he gave the order to his people.

Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” Exodus 1:22 NIV

Jochebed, mother of Moses refused to be part of killing her own son. She put him in a basket and laid it in the riverbanks. The Pharaoh's daughter saw him.

⁷Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” ⁸“Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. ⁹Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. ¹⁰When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” Exodus 2:7-10 NIV

I believe mothers of today's generation can still learn from Jochebed. Her motherly instinct to save, to take care of, to remain connected to and to train her child is a picture of what it looks like when a mother is mothering.

Mothering is the process of caring for children as their mother or of caring for people in the way that a mother does (Cambridge Dictionary)
When a mother is mothering, the best possible care is given to her child.
Let us look at how Jochebed mothered Moses and its implication in today's Christian mothering.

Intentional protection from literal death.

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Hebrews 11:24 NIV

Moses was born in Egypt at a time when Pharaoh ordered that all newborn Hebrew baby boys be killed. Perhaps this makes the part, "when he had grown up" in Hebrews 11:24 is significant.
He grew up because God has a plan to use him to lead His people.
Jochebed, when she did what she did for Moses was not just protecting her son's life. She was acting according to God's plan.

She could have just chosen to be controlled by fear of the Pharaoh, but her reverence to God and love for her own child drove her to protect the life of Moses when he, as a baby cannot.

Today's mothers have far more power to protect their child's life. The law has empowered them to have this “choice” during pregnancy. Although it's odd that mothers in newborn Moses's time struggle to protect their boys, there are some mothers today who would rather choose not to have a baby at all. They are even backed up by the law.

I pray that, like Jochebed, may present generation mothers choose to protect life.


Intentional preservation of godly culture.

He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Hebrews 11:25 NIV

Moses's choice to be identified as a Hebrew even when identifying as a prince of Egypt is more advantageous of him is deeply rooted in his mother's influence and intentional training. Remember, his mother took care of him during his formative years. As she nursed him, she taught him living the Israelite way - loving the Living God above all.

As a result, he did not forget who he really was - a servant of God.

When the Lord called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he had reasons not to do what God wants him to, and he actually bargained with God. But his final response was still to obey his God.

His first 40 years of existence was spent as a prince. The second 40 as a fugitive. His last 40 as leader of God's people on their way to the Promised Land. Therefore, Jochebed's protection of him as a newborn and as a boy, and her preservation of his godly culture was just as significant as him leading the Israelites. All these were pre-conceived in God's mind. That was His plan all along.
Only an all-knowing God can execute that.

I pray that, like Jochebed, Christian mothers of today choose to preserve godly culture in their own children.


Intentional influence to imitate Christ.

He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. Hebrews 11:26 NIV

Some parents worry that when their children grow up, they might forget what their parents taught them.
The thought of them choosing not to become what you have influenced them to might be terrifying.
Those worries are for tomorrow. The Bible teaches us to not worry.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV

You see, every generation has its own dilemma of drifting away from God. Yet, every generation has someone or some people raised up by God to effect revival. So, don't worry about the world your children will inherit. Just make sure you do your best to intentionally influence them to imitate Christ.

As much as you can, protect, preserve, and influence your child while praying and declaring that they will choose to be Christlike amid changing times.

Look at how the Apostle Paul commended Timothy's mother and grandmother, pointing their influence on him.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5 NIV

Intentional Mothering to raise children.
Someone once shared to me the phases of parenting. I can't find it now, but the closest one is, Focus on the Family's "The Four Phases of Parenthood." A slight difference on  "Controller," the article used "Commander" and there was no specific age mentioned. I am sharing this from memory of when it was shared with me.

• Controller (0-6 years old) - The phase when we control almost everything about our children - what to eat, when to sleep, when to go out, what to wear, etc.

• Coach (7-15 years old) - the phase when parents coach their child. Since this is the age when they go to school, this is where we teach them, "Don't talk to strangers," "What do you do when you are bullied," "This is how you behave when in someone else's house," etc.

• Counselor (16 - 24 years old) - This is when parents listen more to their children. They have their own thoughts, own understanding, own opinion, own experiences, etc. Therefore, listening will make us understand them more. When they share their feelings or experiences, we let them talk and not take the spotlight from them. When they come for help in decision-making, we present them possible options and let them decide.

• Consultant (25 years old and above) - This is the phase where parents just wait for their children's availability. This is where we should be able to say, "I did my part as a parent. It's time you do it on your own, but if you need me, I am here." They are no longer kids. They are adults.

It is wrong to be a consultant when you are supposed to be their controller. Likewise, it is wrong to be their controller when you are supposed to be their consultant.

When we get things mixed up, some children feel like they are not loved.


What about the motherless?
I acknowledge that there are those who felt or experienced not being properly taken cared of by their own mothers. There are also those who did not have a mother figure at all. God does not forget them.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15 NIV

As long as our focus is Jesus, God can turn our story into an inspiration and a display of His goodness.



CONCLUSION

Remember, when Jesus came to earth as a man, He had to have a mother. God, in His sovereignty could have chosen not to, but He values family and the role of a mother in developing god-fearing people.

Christian mothers mothering are part of God's great plan to preserve people whom He uses and will use for their own generation.

This verse sums it up:

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Conscious Decision to be Christlike

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

When we received Jesus as Lord and Savior, and truly live according to His will, change is inevitable - our physical, emotional, and spiritual appearances will change for the better. Hence, some who used to know us would not be able to recognize the new us.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV




But these changes do not just happen by chance.

Above anything else, these were planned by God. The people whose lives were changed had a conscious decision to remain in God.

I believe that is the key on our end - we must have a conscious decision to be Christlike as we remain in God.


Here are some reminders for our journey with God in our new lives.


Consciously resist the devil.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NIV

The devil will never stop convincing us that it is still the same us, that we do not need God, and that our old lives are better (money, men or women, control, more options, old buddies are better, etc.) This must be why Peter reminds us,

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

So, don't go to the enemy's camp, and claim you were tempted if you gave in. Be as far from it as possible. We are supposed to move away from temptations, not play with it.

Remember,

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV

and

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Mark 8:36 NIV

 

Consciously resist backsliding.

If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 2 Peter 2:20 NIV

How do we consciously resist backsliding?

Spend time fellowshipping with believers.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 NIV

In the fellowship of believers, there is unity; there is growth; there is encouragement. If there are conflicts, the Bible is rich with instructions on how to resolve them.

In our effort to be better, we get to sharpen each other in the knowledge of God.

Spend more time in God's Word.
Whatever we feed our mind more becomes our standard on almost everything. The music we listen to, the movies we watch, the books we read. They all contribute to what we believe in and how we react to things.

So let us spend more time reading God's Word. In this manner, we will have the standard of the Bible on how we must live.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 NIV

The Word of God is our weapon against the enemy.


Spend less time with the world.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

Don't get me wrong. We want to win our friends for Jesus. In fact, we want to bring as much people to the Lord. But we must make sure we spend more time in God's Word, and with fellow believers.
At the first sign of the devil's scheme, refuse to be part of it right away. Do not delay. The more we delay, the more damage the enemy makes.


Consciously connect with God.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NIV

Our lifeline is Jesus Christ Himself. Being closer to the world means being far from Him. We must consciously remain in Him at all times.
Always go back to the truth.

Jesus died for us, so we don't have to.

He took the punishment, so we don't have to.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV

The Lord chose to die for us while we were still sinners as a demonstration of His love for us. This same love is where we should remain so we may enjoy the life we now have in Him.
This is the same love that keeps us safe from the enemy.


Conclusion

The life we now live is not independent from its Source - God. In fact, it is so dependent on Him, nothing in what we can do counts to eternity if it is done without Him. Our salvation depends on Him. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves from hell. Only through Jesus Christ may we be saved. Without Him, we are doomed to hell.

For this reason, we live for Christ, and we do our best to be like Him.

Being alive in God is accompanied by a conscious decision to stay alive in Christ and dead to sin.

Believers on Governing Authorities

The Bible is rich in instructions to believers.

From honoring parents, to disciplining children, Loving God, Loving our neighbors, forgiveness, repentance, and many more.

It is also clear on how we, as Christians should treat governing authorities.

¹Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ²Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. ⁶This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7 NIV

 

Here are some basic instructions regarding governing authorities according to the Bible.

Submit to governing authority.

¹³Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:13-15 NIV

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:2 NIV

As believers of Jesus, we must submit to authorities. The Bible says rebellion against God-established authorities is punishable.

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:5 NIV

God wants our decision to submit to human authorities to be a result of our obedience and love for Him.

 Pray for human authority.

¹I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

We must pray that the governing authorities would listen to God's voice; that they may serve with the fear of the Lord; that there would be peace.

Does it mean we should stop questioning wrongdoings of authorities? No, amen. We may call out and hold them accountable, but with respect. And the prayer must continue.

Remember, we are free to choose who to vote for, but we are also called to pray for whoever wins the election (the governing authorities). Remember, they are established by God.

3. Pre-eminence of God's authority.

²⁸“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” ²⁹Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!" Acts 5:28-29 NIV

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1 NIV

God Himself established authorities. He is superior to it.

But keep this in  mind - when we are forced to hurt God's heart, that is the time we may disobey human authority, for we are called to honor the superior authority of all – God.

Conclusion:

Submit to and pray for human authority, but keep in mind that God is the King of kings, Lord of lords, God of gods.

When we are forced to choose between God and man, the choice should be easy - God, the one who established these human authorities.

 

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Fighting the Temptation of Spiritual Selfishness

 

No matter how good a Sunday Service is, or a prayer meeting or your personal devotion, we know that it will end at a certain time. It may take longer or shorter than usual, but it will surely come to an end. Then you'll go back to where the actual battle is, your life and everything around you.
 

²After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. ³His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. ⁴And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. ⁵Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” ⁶(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) ⁷Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” ⁸Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. Mark 9:2-8 NIV

No tabernacle is big enough to contain the Law, the Prophet and the Gospel. (Moses, Elijah and Jesus Christ); so God brought His tabernacle (cloud that covered them).

As mentioned in this passage, Peter's idea of building a shelter was a result of being "greatly afraid." Sometimes when we are scared, we tend to say or do things we don't really mean. I believe this is what happened to Peter. The thing is, at a glance, it may be viewed as "Spiritual Selfishness."

Spiritual Selfishness

Spiritual selfishness is the desire to keep all good spiritual experience to oneself.
Jesus commissioned His disciples to "make disciples." We must share the gospel.

Spiritual selfishness is when we are ready to share Jesus, yet we choose not to. It is also when we choose not to learn to share Jesus even if we have the capacity to.

In his awe and fear, Peter must have thought of staying in that moment forever.

When we are in the presence of God, we enjoy it. We love being ministered to, but we must never forget the people whom God ministers to through us.


When tempted to become spiritually selfish, let us remember...

... Jesus modeled spiritual generosity.

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. Mark‬ ‭9:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬

When the cloud has gone, Moses and Elijah left, but not Jesus.
Although He was with people who knew exactly who He is and how to talk with Him, He chose to remain with His disciples. He to trained them, He completed His mission, He did the work.

Imagine if Jesus was spiritually selfish. He would have just left an unfinished business. (Of course this is highly unimaginable. We know He did what He came do and completed it.)

Another instance that Jesus was spiritually generous was when Lazarus died. Here's part of His conversation with His disciples.

⁷and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” ⁸“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” John 11:7-8 NIV

He still went back to Judea to minister even after threats on His own life. Jesus modeled spiritual generosity.

... God confronts spiritual selfishness.

After Jonah did what God wanted him to do and the people of Nineveh repented from their sins, He confronted him about his display of spiritual selfishness.

⁹But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” ¹⁰But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. ¹¹And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” Jonah 4:9-11 NIV

God reiterated His concern to people who were ignorant of their sins.

The punishment for their sins is inevitable unless they come to repentance, and since the New Testament, receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.

God's desire is for sinners to come to repentance.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV

... we fight spiritual selfishness.

How do we fight spiritual selfishness?

Understand that Jesus Christ died for all.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV

Pray for them.
Witness to them.
Reach out to them.

Remember to be guided by God's love.

³²“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 

³⁵But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 

Luke 6:32, 35 NIV

We do not love the way the world loves, but the way God taught us to.
Do not sin in the name of love.
You do not let the one you love live in sin or be led to destruction.

Immerse yourself daily into His Presence.

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Mark‬ ‭9:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬

Listening to Jesus, The Word is more than just reading. It involves evidence of listening - action.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV

Let us do our daily devotion.
Let us read His Word daily.
Let us decide to serve Him and Him alone.

The more we are immersed in God's presence daily, the less time we have to be spiritually selfish.


Conclusion

We fight spiritual selfishness by remaining in God's presence.
There is no way anyone immersed in God's presence would choose not to share Jesus to others.

Heaven is real, so as hell. No matter how much we may disagree with a person, we do not wish for them to go to hell.

In fact, in God's presence, we are moved to win as much people as we can by God's grace.

Spiritual selfishness dies when we are truly renewed by His grace and mercy.