Selfies
What is it that has people fascinated by self?
A few years ago (quite a few years actually) we were watching a Peter, Paul, and Mary twenty-fifth year concert. I think it was aimed at raising money for Public Television. Regardless, they had a segment where Paul Stookey expounds on magazines through the decades and how they relate to the public.
First, he says, in the fifties the magazine, LIFE came out. It was big and bold and all encompassing.
Life...but in the sixties the next magazine that came out was, PEOPLE and yes, people are a part of life, just not quite as far reaching and all embracing. Next, the magazine of the seventies was, US, which is still people, but it's -us- and not them.
I don't know if it was in the eighties the magazine, SELF came out, and Paul said we really should have paid attention. He said he was now waiting for the advertisement for the newest magazine and it should be titled: ME and it will be twenty pages of Reynolds wrap. And he illustrates by smiling hugely as if into a self reflection.
At one time the word JOY was used to illustrate the idea of Christianity as in: Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. I don't think that is a bad idea, but not always. In talking about humility lately as Christians we should keep Christ as Lord, and what he wants should be first. However, being humble does not mean we should be a fool or a doormat.
So, how did we/me become so egocentric? I don't know exactly, but we are off center in some way. We need to read and study the Bible and remember the first commandment is to have no other gods before Jehovah. That means taking ourself off of the throne.
Before I share the scripture with you, here is a Peter, Paul and Mary song I came across while searching for their anniversary concert. My children loved this song, and I did as well. I was actually a decent softball player but I was not one of the popular girls in our class, so I wasn't usually a first choice in the 'games' list.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2 KJV)
