The Perils of Self-Centered Faith

Self-centeredness often drives individuals to engage in religious practices primarily for personal gain, obscuring genuine faith. The desire to please God becomes conditional, leading to disappointment when expectations are not met, indicating that their commitment is self-serving rather than sacrificial. This mindset fosters a cycle of addiction to ego and personal gratification, creating a deep-seated misery akin to hell on earth. The pursuit of self-focus breeds envy, creating an insatiable need for validation and recognition, which ultimately results in spiritual enslavement. The concept of self-centeredness not only leads to personal anguish but also distances individuals from true connection with God and others, propelling them towards a destructive path reminiscent of Satan's fall from grace. The dichotomy between living to serve oneself versus serving others highlights the essence of faith: to choose a life dedicated to altruism rather than self-indulgence, reinforcing that repentance is crucial for redemption from this self-imposed doom.