Is it all about me?

Pro 18:1 He that separates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound wisdom.

The hardest lesson in life.

This lesson is painful and upsetting to learn, and it goes against what we want to think is true. But it is vital that we learn it.

Many people never do

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The lesson is this: you are not the center of your universe.

You might as well face it.

Once, a long time ago, Nicolaus Copernicus studied the sky and declared, "If man is to know the truth, he must change his thinking! Despite what we have said for years, our earth is not the center of the cosmos-but just one celestial body among many. The sun does not move around us; we move around the sun."

That was a radical adjustment-a revolution in thought.

Years later, Jean Piaget studied children and declared, "Each child must experience his or her own 'Copernican revolution.’ They must learn that they are not the center of their world."

This is a private, radical adjustment for every one. "After all," each infant thinks, "My wants have always been met. Let life continue that way!"

Pro 18:6 A fool's lips enter into argument, and his mouth calls for strokes. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

"Walls should move out of the way before I run into them. The floor should become soft just as I fall. Everyone should give me their toys if I want them. The rules of games should change so I can always win. And big things like cars should never drive where I might want to run or play."

Sooner or later, life does not cooperate and the child is shocked.

What about us adults? Have we learned the lesson?

Most of us learn it. But Satan urges us to put ourselves back in the center. And we often do, even when we know better.

Jesus Christ studied His audience and declared, "If you want to enter the kingdom of heaven, you must change your thinking! Despite what your sinful nature tells you, you are not the center of your world. To find life, you must know the truth. Accommodate yourself to that; it will set you free!"

That is the most radical adjustment of all. A hard lesson.

Pro 18:12 Before shattering, the heart of man is proud, and before honor is humility.

The illusion is easier. It justifies selfishness. And we all like being selfish. Too bad that the selfish way is not true. Too bad that it does not bring satisfaction or life.

A hard lesson. But an important one. Life goes much better once you have got it.

Pro 18:10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

The Peacock Syndrome:

A rich man decided to take up fishing. He bought the most expensive equipment and bait, but he caught nothing. He passed by a farm boy who had an old stick and a rusty hook but had caught a big string of fish. "How did you manage to catch so many, when I couldn't catch a single one?" he asked. "Oh," said the boy, "I try to keep out of sight so the fish won't see me. Perhaps you show yourself too much."