Breaking Free from Selfishness: A Reflection on 2 Chronicles 35-36
This morning, as I focused on God, I randomly flipped open my Bible and landed on 2 Chronicles 35. I read through chapters 35 and 36, underlining the verses that stood out to me.
1. Cease Opposing God (2 Chronicles 35:21)
The first verse I underlined was 2 Chronicles 35:21, which says:
"Cease opposing God, who is with me, lest he destroy you."
This made me think about times when people had come against my wife in the past. I have noticed that those who opposed her often faced serious difficulties, such as moving away or experiencing illness. It reinforced to me that when someone is truly aligned with God, standing against them is dangerous.
2. Bound by Selfishness (2 Chronicles 36:5-6)
The next passage I underlined was 2 Chronicles 36:5-6:
"He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his God…bound him in chains to take him to Babylon."
This reminded me of a revelation God gave me about my past. I had been spiritually imprisoned, not only because of unforgiveness but primarily due to my selfishness. I was bound by my own actions, and God—who cannot tolerate selfishness in His children—allowed consequences to follow.
This aligns with Deuteronomy 28:28, which speaks of disobedience leading to madness. I experienced this firsthand. My laziness, selfishness, and unforgiveness led me to a place of mental and spiritual turmoil. However, recognizing this gave me a renewed sense of control. If I focus on fixing these areas, the psychological burdens no longer have to dominate my life. True belief in God means obeying Him, and my past disobedience had direct consequences.
3. Honoring a Prophet (2 Chronicles 36:12)
The next verse that stood out to me was 2 Chronicles 36:12:
"He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the Lord."
This verse resonated deeply with me because my wife is a legitimate prophet. She sits with Jesus face to face in heaven at night and hears Him speak during the day. Numbers 12:6 confirms that God reveals Himself to prophets in visions and speaks to them directly.
Living with a prophet requires humility. If Jehoiakim was judged for not humbling himself before Jeremiah, how much more should I ensure that I honor the voice of God through my wife? Humility means acknowledging her worth, valuing her insight, and not putting my opinions above hers—especially when what she speaks comes directly from Jesus. Over time, I’ve learned to recognize her value, seeing how she is consistently right about things. She often tells me that when she instructs me to do something, it isn’t from her but from Jesus Himself.
Initially, I struggled with this. It felt dehumanizing to let go of my own reasoning. But in reality, it is liberating. Before, I tried to discern God’s voice on my own. Now, even though I currently lack my spiritual senses due to my past selfishness, God still speaks to me—through my wife. This eliminates guesswork and brings me comfort. I am looking forward to fully embracing a life free from selfishness so that I can experience all that God has for me.
4. Understanding My Selfishness
When I talk about selfishness, I mean things like:
Avoiding tasks because I know my wife will do them.
Engrossing myself in video games and neglecting my family.
Refusing to act in shows despite my talent because of personal fears.
God has gifted me with the ability to perform, and I realize now that keeping that talent to myself is selfish. Even though my mind isn’t as sharp as it once was due to my past struggles, I still have a responsibility to share my talents. Acting and performing bring joy to others, and I should not withhold that simply because I find it difficult.
5. The Danger of Scoffing at God’s Words (2 Chronicles 36:16)
The final verse I underlined was 2 Chronicles 36:16:
"Despising his words and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord rose against his people, until there was no remedy."
I used to scoff at my wife’s words. I ignored the wisdom God gave her, and my life suffered greatly because of it. Only now am I starting to come out of that darkness. I see how important it is to listen, to humble myself, and to obey the voice of God—especially when He speaks through His chosen messenger.
Conclusion
Through this reflection, God has shown me that my struggles were largely self-inflicted. My selfishness, laziness, and unforgiveness led me into a mental and spiritual prison. But there is a way out. By humbling myself, honoring my wife as a prophet, and actively fighting against selfish tendencies, I can walk in the fullness of God’s plan for my life.
I am thankful for this renewed understanding, and I pray that I continue to grow in humility and obedience. God has given me the tools for freedom—it is now up to me to use them.
