| No. |
Examples |
Man's Way |
God's Way |
| 1 |
The Human Heart |
People say "Mankind is basically good.". We hear, "I'm OK, you're OK. |
The heart is desperately wicked, who can know it (Jer. 17:9).
Trust the Lord completely; do not ever trust yourself (Pro. 3:5, 28:26) |
| 2 |
Trust / dependence |
Some say, "If I don't take care of myself no one else will". Self-reliance is supposed to be a goal for life |
God says if you will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, He will meet your needs (Mt.6:33).
Do not depend on your own understanding; instead, seek God's way (Pro. 3:5-6) |
| 3 |
Freedom |
We're told everyone must protect and guard his own rights and that each person is born to live free (i.e., freedom of expression, free speech). It is said we only live under authority because of our common social contract. |
Apart from God, you are a slave to sin (Rom.6:16).
The one who focuses on saving his life will lose it; but if you are willing to lose your life for His sake, God promises your life will be saved (Lk.9:23-24).
Be subject to those in authority over you (Rom. 13:1; Heb. 13:17) |
| 4 |
My Problems |
We sometimes think, "No one can really understand my problems;" and we may believe that each problem and set of circumstances are unique |
Your problems are common to mankind. God promises to help you through them so that you do not have to sin or lose your peace and joy if you will choose to live life His way (I Cor. 10:13) |
| 5 |
Love |
Marriage is often viewed as a social convenience. People seek to find a spouse who can meet their own needs. Loving another depends on a reciprocal love from that person |
Your focus in marriage is to put the interests of your spouse above your own and to reflect Christ in your marriage relationship (Eph. 5:22-23; Phil. 2:3-4).
Biblical love is giving not getting (John 3:16; I Cor. 13:4-8a) |
| 6 |
My enemy is successful |
Enemies are to be hated and their success is to be envied. We try to discredit our adversaries and to win over them |
Rejoice in any situation (Rom.12:14-15; I Thes. 5:16).
Love and pray for those who view themselves as your enemies.(Mt. 5:44) |
| 7 |
I hurt someone |
We seek to justify our actions and give excuses for our behavior. Some even enjoy hurting others. |
Go to that one, ask forgiveness and be reconciled. (Mt.5:23-24, Rom.12:18, Jam. 5:16) |
| 8 |
Problems / Conflicts |
We avoid problems and do everything we can to get out of them. We look for excuses or shift blame to others. We fail to admit we even have problems or say they are someone else's fault |
Conflicts and problems are for your good and for your spiritual growth. They help you to see what is within yourself (Mt.15:18-20).
Rejoice that God uses them to bring you to maturity (Rom.5:3-5,Jam1:2-4) |
| 9 |
Leadership |
We are told to assert ourselves. Learn to take charge and give orders; these are keys to success. |
Be willing to be a servant. The best leader is the one who serves. God gives more grace to the humble. (Mt.20:26-28) |
| 10 |
Anger: rights |
We retaliate in order to get even. We protect our rights and don't let them be violated |
Your response to difficulties is to put off anger, forgive and return a blessing (Rom.12:14, Eph.4:31-32).
Be willing to give up your freedoms or "rights" for the sake of others (Mt.5:43-48, Rom.14:15-21) |
| 11 |
I've been offended / hurt
|
"The best defense is a good offense." We all must defend not let our "self-esteem" be destroyed by letting others discredit us.
|
Examine yourself (Matt.7:5).
Die to self (Lk.9:23-24).
Do not judge others by your standards but be a blessing instead (Lk. 6:27-28,36-38; Jn 7:24; Rom. 14:1-13; Jam. 4:11-12; I Pet.3:8,9).
Consider others as more important than yourself (Phil. 2:3-4) |
| 12 |
My enemy needs help
|
We say our enemy deserves it when they get in trouble. We show little patience for incompetence and want to say, "Get rid of those people"
|
Love your enemies and meet their needs (Matt.5:43-48; Lk. 6:35).
Infact, go beyond what is expected (Matt.5:38-42) |
| 13 |
Riches
|
We learn we can not have too much money. "Always get it while the getting is good"
|
Fix your eyes on God, not on riches(I Tim. 6:17)
All riches are God's; give to Him and those in need (Ps.24:1; Pr.3:9-10; Lk. 12:33; II Cor. 9:6-12) |
| 14 |
Sex
|
We seek lovers to satisfy us. We say it is our spouse's duty to meet our desires; "After all, my spouse belongs to me"
|
You and your spouse belong to the Lord; you must seed to meet your spouse's best interests and to bless your spouse. Sex is to be reserved for marriage only (I Cor. 7:4; I Thes. 4:3; Heb. 13:4) |
| 15 |
Duties
|
People say 'If you feel like it, do it". "Do not worry about those things; they will get done eventually". We find good excuses for not fulfilling our responsibilities.
|
Be obedient to God's word and do your responsibilities heartily as to the Lord, regardless of your feelings; God blesses obedience (Gen. 4:6-7; I Sam. 15:22; John 14:15; Jam. 1:22, 4:17) |
