Important Person

John 12:20-36

Years ago there was a song that went, "The most important person in the whole wide world is you...". The song was taught to children in an attempt to impart self-esteem. Teaching a child that they are valuable is a noble pursuit, children are a precious blessing and should be reminded of their worth.

However, the idea that each of us is "the most important person in the world" causes some problems. If we are each "the most important", our rights will get in the way of our relationships. Viewing ourselves in this way means we should always be given what we want, in spite of the needs of others, and so you can see how this attitude could result in behavior that is self-centered.

Selfishness is the cause of much heartache in the world. Children are abandoned by parents that don't want to be tied down to the responsibility of raising them. Husbands and wives are split apart when they refuse to see themselves as a team and instead demand that each have his or her own way in everything. Friends, community, etc. are all effected by an "every man for himself" mentality.

Jesus spoke a radical truth in this Scripture. "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."  Jesus told the people that, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." (Mark 8:34) Following Jesus means denying self, that our self-love will look like self-hate when compared to our Christ-love. Christ left no doubt - selfishness doesn't have a place in the lives of His followers.

Self denial , or self-discipline, could then be considered a virtue. The writings of most world religions would confirm that those adhering to the practices of that religion need to deny self in order to please their deity. Now, those of us who have made New Year's resolutions, or tried to stick to a diet will attest to the fact that self-discipline is no easy task! It can help tremendously if someone comes along side and encourages you.

Herein lies the difference when following Christ. We, His followers, are called to deny self, but we are not attempting to do it alone. His Holy Spirit, that He promised would come and dwell in those who believe in Him, encourages us. "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13) So our selfishness dies when we choose to live by the Spirit. Jesus taught  that we should, "...Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind mind with all your strength", and, "...Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:29)

Loving God with all, and loving our neighbor as ourselves is self-less love.  God demonstrated self-less love toward all of us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) 


If you are not the world's "most important person", who are you? Where does your self-esteem come from? In knowing this: God loves you, values you, and you hold a unique place in His Kingdom. You , "are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) The Creator of the Universe has a plan for you - sounds to me like you are a pretty important person after all!