Selfward focus, which is to say, focused only on ourselves, means our eyes and attention are focused on ourselves. Not inward through self-examination, merely vainly admiring ourselves, complimenting ourselves and over looking our many flaws. This kind of self-love pulls us away from others and from God. Indeed, the very presence of others or God in our self-adoring state is unwelcome for they may contradict or even question our image of ourselves."Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight."^{(a) Do} not suppose that being perfect and righteous is entrance into Heaven. For if this were the case, there would have been no reason for Christ to die on the cross. No. There has only been one perfect human ever.

Self-reliance is the very exact opposite of Christ's teachings. For even He, the King of Kings, the Almighty of Infinite Power, came not to rule over us but to serve. Humility is one of the most important features of Christian unity. But, my beloved children in God's care, being humble is a power far greater than pride. For in the midst of humility are we granted freedom from worry, freedom from gain, from pursuit, and most of all, through humble submission to God and recognition and acceptance of our own weaknesses affords us access to the greatest power in the universe - God's Grace, Strength and Mercy.

Peter of Damascus writes, "Nothing is better than to realise one's weakness and ignorance, and nothing is worse than not to be aware of them." Ask God for help. Invite Him into your day, into your work and into your daily struggles. Make Him a partner in your business just as you have made Him a partner in your marriage. There is nothing wrong with turning to God for help - for the greatest conquests in the Bible where at the hands of those who believed in God. And the greatest tragedies where to those that did not. And do not ever think you are unworthy to approach God and ask for help, nor ever doubt that He thinks you are worthy. Do you suppose that Christ died on the cross for everyone else and not you. Absurd! Ask God, with prayerful humility and a deep conviction that He will answer your prayer.

Also, my fellow warrior, be wary of the praiser. The wiles of the devil will come to you and praise your humility, praise your ascetic achievements in fasting, vigils and prayer. But this is a trap merely to fan the flames of your self-love. Do not for a second believe the praise of others. Why? Because in truth who are they to judge your efforts? Only God knows the heart's of all mankind.

It is fair to say, that the truly stubborn self-lovers are not reading this and so I say this that it may get to them - God does not cause one to fall without warning. The purpose of a fall is to strip someone of their self-worth so that they may reach a moment of such despair that they fall to their knees - and this is the exact position we are in when we begin to pray. For the sole purpose of the fall is to showcase the very Glory of God. To bring us to such a point of hopelessness that salvation seems impossible. God brings us to the edge of the Red Sea with the enemy gaining on us ready to strike us down. And then He does what no one can imagine or even hope for - He does the impossible (such as parting the Red Sea) so that we may believe in Him.

So to the persistent selfward reader, be warned. God sends warnings before the fall.But if He uses the fall, prepare yourself for something so terrible that it strips you of all your self-reliant faith and points your focus Godward where it belongs.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Isaiah 5:21