Our culture is hyper-focused on self. Terms like “self-care,” “self-love,” and “self-affirmations” are becoming more and more common. There may be aspects of these ideas that are helpful within a specific framework—but there is undoubtedly a grave danger here as well. All the focus on “self” tends to create self-centered and self-reliant people. And the truth is, we cannot rely on ourselves where it matters most.
Hosea 10:13 warns: “You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way…” We set ourselves up for failure when we turn inward for guidance, strength, and hope. We may be able to satisfy ourselves for a time, but we don’t have the know-how or the power to determine and practice what’s best and most meaningful. For that, we need God. Don’t trust in your own way—that is a path of destruction. Instead, turn to God and trust in Him.