Poetry

Since Self is on the Throne

13 Comments

“Take up your cross and follow Me,”

I heard the Master say.

But denying myself to answer Your call,

Is a price too high to pay,

Since Self is on the throne.

 

Love my enemies; bless those who hate;

Pray for those who spitefully use me.

Surely, Lord, You don’t require that,

For much too vulnerable I’d be,

Since Self is on the throne.

 

Forgive one another as Christ forgave me;

Your Word says this is a must.

But I was treated too unfair to ever forgive.

So You’ll not ask that of me, I trust,

Since Self is on the throne.

 

To him who strikes me on the cheek,

I’m to offer the other side.

Surely this doesn’t mean what it says.

Why, my “rights” would be denied,

Since Self is on the throne.

 

Be kind and tenderhearted one to another;

Your Word teaches this, ‘tis true.

But to esteem others better than myself

Is much too difficult to do,

Since Self is on the throne.

 

You say I should learn to be content,

Regardless of my state.

Yet I’m striving to get ahead in this world,

For doing without I hate,

Since Self is on the throne.

 

On earth You made Yourself no reputation,

And that I can’t understand.

When worldly wisdom drives me on

To be all that I possibly can,

Since Self is on the throne.

 

There is no profit to gain the whole world,

If my very own soul I lose.

But dying daily seems barbaric to me.

Is there some other plan I can choose,

Since Self is on the throne?

 

I’m told in everything give thanks;

Grateful I’m supposed to be.

But Lord, can’t You see, this is not about You,

For this is all about ME,

Since Self is on the throne.  ~ Janie Kellogg

 

Note: Also see Treasure in Earthen Vessels, “Who’s the Boss,” March 6, 2013

13 thoughts on “Since Self is on the Throne”

  3. That is a beautiful poem!

    It reminds me of this:

    Jesus Christ was born under the Law and ministered to His people accordingly (commandments,) yet all still failed! Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law during His ministry on Earth, and Salvation by the Grace through Faith in Him (The New Covenant,) only took effect when He shed His precious blood (Remission of Sins) on the Holy Cross in Calvary, desended to Hell and defeated Death, and then rose from the dead on the third day (First Fruit of Resurrection) bringing us Eternal Life and Reconciliation with God the Father!!!

    Galatians 4:4,5
    “4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

    John 1:16,17
    “16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”

    Romans 3:10
    “10 as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one;””

    Romans 6:23
    “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    Romans 8:1,2
    “8 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

    Romans 10:4
    “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

    Ephesians 1:7
    “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”

    Ephesians 2:8,9
    “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

    John 3:16,17
    “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

    [Scripture is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB)] http://www.biblegateway.com/

    Reply

  4. What an awesome poem! I have been thinking so much this past week about how the greatest idol we worship, is SELF. And the reason why I struggle so much to yield fully to His hand, even though I know I can trust Him fully, is because self-idolatory will not give up without a fight.

    I am re-blogging this on my page.

    Reply

  5. Reblogged this on speak peace always and commented:
    And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
    Luk 9:23-25 ESV

    Reply

    1. Thanks for posting this scripture reference! I just noticed the words “And he said to ALL.” WOW! This isn’t a word for just those extra dedicated or committed Christians–this is for ALL Jesus followers. God bless you!

      Reply

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