The Transformation of Self-Focus to God-Centeredness
Isaac Megbolugbe
April 15, 2025
Introduction
In the words of William Temple, “Worship is the submission of all our nature to God.” This profound statement highlights the fundamental shift that occurs in our lives when we surrender our self-focus and become God-centered.
The Original Sin: Self-Centeredness
Self-centeredness is indeed our original sin, and it is the root of all evil within us. When we are self-focused, we prioritize our own desires, needs, and interests above all else. This mindset leads us down a path of destruction, causing harm to ourselves and those around us.
The Transformation: Offering Ourselves to God
But there is hope. Through faith in Christ Jesus, we can experience a profound transformation. We can offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1). This act of surrender marks the beginning of our journey towards God-centeredness.
Renewing Our Minds
As we surrender ourselves to God, we must also renew our minds. This involves aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors with God’s purpose and will (Romans 12:2). By doing so, we can test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Sober Judgment and Humility
As we walk in humility and sober judgment, we recognize that we are not our own, but rather members of the body of Christ (Romans 12:3-5). This realization fosters a sense of unity and interdependence, as we acknowledge that each member belongs to all the others.
Using Our Gifts for God’s Glory
As members of the body of Christ, we have been given different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us (Romans 12:6-8). By using these gifts to serve others and glorify God, we can fulfill our purpose and contribute to the harmony of the body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the transformation from self-focus to God-centeredness is a profound and life-changing experience. By offering ourselves to God as living sacrifices, renewing our minds, and using our gifts for His glory, we can become vessels of honor, acceptable to God, and fulfilling His purposes.
As we journey on this path of transformation, may we remain humble, sober, and committed to God’s service. May we use our gifts to serve others and glorify God, and may we become a harmonious part of the body of Christ.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I offer myself to You as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. Renew my mind, and align my thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors with Your purpose and will. Help me to use my gifts to serve others and glorify You. May I become a vessel of honor, acceptable to You, and fulfilling Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Offering Yourself as a Living Sacrifices
Offering yourself to God as a living sacrifice is a profound act of surrender, dedication, and commitment to God. It means:
1. Surrendering control: Letting go of your own desires, plans, and agendas, and instead, submitting to God’s will and purpose.
2. Dedicating your lif: Setting apart your life, with all its aspects, for God’s use and glory.
3. Committing to obedience: Promising to obey God’s commands, principles, and guidance, even when it’s challenging or uncomfortable.
4. Presenting your body as a temple: Recognizing that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and striving to maintain a lifestyle of purity, holiness, and integrity.
5. Living a life of worship: Understanding that every aspect of your life, including your thoughts, words, and actions, is an act of worship to God.
By offering yourself to God as a living sacrifice, you are:
– Acknowledging God’s sovereignty and lordship over your life
– Expressing your gratitude for God’s mercy and love
– Demonstrating your commitment to living a life that honors and glorifies God
This act of surrender and dedication is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process of yielding to God’s will and purpose, day by day, moment by moment.
Renewing Your Mind
Renewing your mind to align with God’s purpose and will requires a deliberate and ongoing process. Here are some steps to help you renew your mind:
1. Read and meditate on Scripture: Regularly read and reflect on God’s Word, allowing its truths to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
2. Pray for spiritual insight: Ask God to give you wisdom and understanding as you seek to align your mind with His purpose and will.
3. Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit: Recognize the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and transforming your mind. Ask for His help in renewing your mind and aligning it with God’s will.
4. Replace negative thought patterns: Identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with positive, biblical affirmations.
5. Surround yourself with positive influences: Spend time with people who encourage and support you in your spiritual growth, and avoid influences that can hinder your progress.
6. Practice mindfulness and self-reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and make adjustments as needed to align with God’s purpose and will.
7. Seek accountability and support: Share your goals and struggles with a trusted friend or mentor, and ask for their support and accountability in your journey of mental renewal.
8. Celebrate progress and persevere: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make in renewing your mind, and persevere through challenges and setbacks, trusting in God’s ongoing work in your life.
By implementing these steps, you can begin to renew your mind and align it with God’s purpose and will. Remember that this is a lifelong process, and be patient and persistent as you seek to transform your mind and live a life that honors God.
Discovering and Using Your Gifts to Serve Others and Glorify God
God has uniquely gifted each of us with talents, skills, and abilities to serve others and bring glory to Him. Discovering and using these gifts is essential to fulfilling our purpose and living a life that honors God.
Identifying Your Gifts
To identify your gifts, consider the following:
1. Reflect on your passions: What activities do you enjoy doing in your free time? These passions can often be indicators of your gifts.
2. Assess your skills: What are your natural talents and skills? Consider your strengths and abilities in various areas, such as communication, problem-solving, or leadership.
3. Seek feedback from others; Ask trusted friends, family, or mentors what they think you’re gifted in. Their observations can provide valuable insights.
4. Explore spiritual gifts: Consider taking a spiritual gifts assessment or studying the biblical gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4.
Using Your Gifts to Serve Others and Glorify God
Once you’ve identified your gifts, consider the following ways to use them to serve others and glorify God:
1. Serve in your local church: Look for opportunities to use your gifts in your local church, such as teaching, leading worship, or serving in outreach ministries.
2. Volunteer in your community: Use your gifts to make a positive impact in your community. Consider volunteering at a local non-profit organization, soup kitchen, or other community service project.
3. Share your gifts with others: Look for opportunities to share your gift with others, such as teaching a class, leading a workshop, or mentoring someone.
4. Use your gifts in your workplace: Use your gifts to make a positive impact in your workplace. Consider sharing your skills with colleagues, taking on a leadership role, or starting a ministry at work.
Examples of Gifts and How to Use Them
Here are some examples of gifts and how to use them:
– Teaching: Teach a Sunday school class, lead a Bible study, or create online tutorials.
– Music: Join a worship team, lead music at a local nursing home, or create music for worship services.
– Leadership: Take on a leadership role in your church or community, mentor someone, or lead a team at work.
– Encouragement: Write encouraging notes to others, visit the sick, or listen to someone who needs to talk.
Conclusion
Discovering and using your gifts to serve others and glorify God is a vital part of living a life that honors Him. By identifying your gifts and using them to make a positive impact in your church, community, and workplace, you can fulfill your purpose and bring glory to God.
Concluding Remarks: Embracing the Transformation from Self-Focus to God-Centeredness
As we conclude our journey from self-focus to God-centeredness, we are reminded that this transformation is a lifelong process. It requires commitment, dedication, and a willingness to surrender our self-focused tendencies to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The Power of Surrender
Surrendering our lives to God is the first step towards this transformation. It involves recognizing our limitations, acknowledging our need for God, and yielding our will to His purpose and plan.
The Process of Renewal
As we surrender our lives to God, we begin to experience a process of renewal. Our minds are transformed by the power of God’s Word, our hearts are filled with a new sense of purpose and passion, and our lives are marked by a growing desire to serve and glorify God.
The Fruit of Transformation
The transformation from self-focus to God-centeredness produces a rich harvest of fruit in our lives. We become more humble, more compassionate, and more generous. We begin to see the world through God’s eyes, and our relationships with others are marked by a deeper sense of love, care, and concern.
The Journey Ahead
As we continue on this journey, we are reminded that the transformation from self-focus to God-centeredness is a lifelong process. There will be ups and downs, twists and turns, but with each step, we are drawn closer to the heart of God.
A Call to an Ongoing Surrender
As we move forward, let us remember the importance of ongoing surrender. Let us continually yield our lives to God, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and empowerment in every area of our lives.
A Promise of Transformation
And as we surrender our lives to God, let us remember His promise of transformation. He promises to transform us into the image of Christ, to renew our minds, and to give us a new heart.
A Prayer for Ongoing Transformation
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the transformation that has taken place in our lives as we’ve journeyed from self-focus to God-centeredness. We acknowledge that this is a lifelong process, and we commit ourselves to ongoing surrender, seeking Your guidance, wisdom, and empowerment in every area of our lives. Transform us into the image of Christ, renew our minds, and give us a new heart. May our lives be marked by a growing desire to serve and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Final Thoughts:
– The transformation from self-focus to God-centeredness is a lifelong process that requires commitment, dedication, and a willingness to surrender our self-focused tendencies to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
– Surrendering our lives to God involves recognizing our limitations, acknowledging our need for God, and yielding our will to His purpose and plan.
– The transformation from self-focus to God-centeredness produces a rich harvest of fruit in our lives, including humility, compassion, generosity, and a deeper sense of love, care, and concern for others.
– Ongoing surrender is essential for continued transformation, and we must continually yield our lives to God, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and empowerment in every area of our lives.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the R
oyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
