The preference for self is, by default giving place to the devil.
The devil wins when we choose ourselves over submitting, obeying, and loving God above ourselves. Why? Because this mindset, by default, brings us under the curse, and Satan destroys our lives in the shadow of the curse.
The wisdom of Job and the hedge of protection that came, as a result, is worth considering in this conversation.
A member of the church of satan was asked why he chose this as the object of worship.
Satanism is on the rise. Satanism is a rejection of God and the embrace, honoring, and preference of self.
“The foundation of Satanism is built upon the self.”
“Satan is a love affair with the self.”
It highlights the commission of Christ in the simplest of terms in contrast.
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23
When we are unwilling to deny the self, we are in fact, giving place to the devil.
The work of darkness has free reign in the life of those who simply refuse to humble themselves to God and live for themselves. These are often unaware, allowing themselves to be a tool of the devil. To destroy themselves, curse those around them, and in general, participate in the downfall of humanity. They are often dominated by fear, anger, discouragement and hopelessness. While trying to serve themselves, they lose everything that would give them peace, joy and hope. Self-sabotaging by seeking to save the self.
Our call from God is summarized in these two verses,
The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels but must be kind to everyone, skilled in teaching, patient, and tolerant when wronged. He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth,
that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24- 26
“He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:39
“Neither give place to the devil.”
Ephesians 4
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.