The Pity Monster

And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23

Being able to control self means being able to keep the pity monster in check too. It isn't just about self control of eating, watching our words and other things. Making statements to yourself like "if I weren't here things would be better". You know the gist of it but the "whoa is me" martyr of self. I admit I have done it. If we are honest probably we all have. We throw a giant pity party but we are the only one in attendance. 

The way to not allow the pity monster into your life is to think more of others than yourself. Take your mind off yourself for a change and dwell on the goodness of the Lord. Think of ways you can be a blessing to others. Go out of your way to help someone. If you are blessed to still have one or both parents alive, sit down and write them an actual letter with a stamp. Buy an unexpected gift for a friend. Maybe do an anonymous gift to someone like paying for the guy behind you in a drive thru lane. Get rid of any wrong thinking that causes you envy, jealously, or makes you want to gossip. 

The pity monster loves disrupting loves and pity is pitiful. Don't allow yourself to fall victim to feeling sorry for yourself. There are always people worse off than you are. Go find one of them and bless their day. 

PRAYER: Lord there are many opportunities to share love, joy, and hope with those around me. Help me Lord to get my mind off myself and onto others. In Jesus' name. Amen.