Self—the sinful nature in us—seems to act as its own person who runs its own life in us.  Self has its own will, its own esteem, and its own defense mechanism of criticism, complaint, and control.  The only one Self cares about is itself.  It always makes sure it comes out at the top, even if it has to step on others to accomplish this.

THE ONE WHO SOWS TO PLEASE HIS SINFUL NATURE, FROM THAT NATURE WILL REAP DESTRUCTION; THE ONE WHO SOWS TO PLEASE THE SPIRIT, FROM THE SPIRIT WILL REAP ETERNAL LIFE
(Galatians 6:8).

Capture that you cannot please Self AND the Spirit.  If you allow Self to sow criticism, complaint, and control, you will reap destruction, but if you submit to the control of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will reap Life.

AND HE DIED FOR ALL, THAT THOSE WHO LIVE SHOULD LIVE NO LONGER FOR THEMSELVES, BUT FOR HIM WHO DIED FOR THEM AND ROSE AGAIN
(2 Corinthians 5:15).

I bless you to consider letting go of your faultfinding, not holding onto it as something praiseworthy—a means to bring someone down, so Self may raise itself up.  May you become someone who allows the Holy Spirit to live His Life in you and through you, so you may understand others’ weaknesses through His Peace, His Power, and His Patience.

THE MAN WHO LOVES HIS LIFE WILL LOSE IT, WHILE THE MAN WHO HATES HIS LIFE IN THIS WORLD WILL KEEP IT FOR ETERNAL LIFE
(John 12:25).

I bless you to lose your defense mechanism of disapproval, disagreement, and disaccord—the controlling actions of complaint that serve to please Self.  Know that criticism, control, and complaint are poor methods of dealing with someone’s heart, for faultfinding does not portray the heart of your Perfect Father. The only thing these methods of Self-defense accomplish is steal your joy and the joy of your friends.

THEN JESUS ANSWERED, ‘WILL YOU REALLY LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR ME’
(John 13:38).

Whom do you live to please, Self…or the Spirit? Know that you are not able to lay Self down in your own strength. But, if you are willing, you can ask the Holy Spirit to come and exchange your Self for His Self.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, bring me to the place where I will stop trying to please my Self-nature, but will be determined to allow Your Spirit to live in me and through me. Establish Your Holy Spirit in me, so I would stop criticizing, complaining, and controlling, but instead, understand the hearts of the people you have put in my life.