The unfolding of self

Bud opens to a flower

“We live in a culture that has become intoxicated with ‘self.’ We’ve turned so far in on ourselves that we are afraid to feel sad, bored, upset, frustrated… so we go numb or succumb to ‘the wall.’ People need to have a hope and motivation outside of ‘self.’ “

Flowers are as vulnerable as they are beautiful. When you buy a bunch of flowers you expect that the buds will open. People are like flower buds that refuse to open because they have become inwardly obsessed, not willing to make themselves vulnerable. Or they only open if it suits themselves; only if there is direct benefit to themselves.

Like flowers people are meant to bloom; they need to have an unfolding of ‘self.’ A bud that opens shares its beauty with the world. We need to be encouraged to think less about ourselves and more about God and people. Jesus taught this about the unfolding of ‘self’: “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.“ Mark 8:34

Belief in God changes what you live for. People begin to live to please God which involves being a blessing to family, friends and those at work. Belief in God helps a person live their life for God and people rather than to suit themselves. This is critical in times when it becomes really difficult to love people who are hurting or disappointing you. It helps you continue to remain open and vulnerable rather than closing in on yourself like a flower bud. So we may hate our job because it is boring but we continue to work because we love God and people and we are growing in the unfolding of ‘self.’

The current sermon series ‘Be enlightened’ will help you understand how to grow in the unfolding of ‘self.’ www.godsgap.net/enlighten

the Rev (Chris Perona)

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