The Lie of Self Help | C.S. Lewis

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Now, here I've got a rather difficult thing to say.
On the one hand it isn't true that we shall lose our personal differences by letting Christ take us over. On the other hand I don't think Christ can take us over as long as we're bothering about what will happen to our personality.
Can I take the first point first?
If a person didn't know about salt, wouldn't he think that anything with such a strong taste would kill the taste of all the other things in any dish you put it into? We know that, as a matter of fact, it brings out their real taste. Well, it's rather like that with Christ.
When you’ve completely given up yourself to His personality, you will then, for the first time in your life, be developing into a real person.
He made the whole world! He invented-as an author invents characters in a book-all the different men that you and I were intended to be. Our “real selves” are, so to speak, waiting for us in Him. What I call “my self” now is hardly a person at all. It's mainly a meeting place for various natural forces, desires, and fears, etc.-some of which come from my ancestors, and some from my education, some perhaps from devils. The self you are really intended to be is something that lives not from nature but from God.
At the beginning of these talks, I said there were “personalities in God.” Well I go further now: there are no real personalities anywhere else. I mean no full, complete personality. It's only when you allow yourself to be drawn into His life that you turn into a true person.
But on the other hand, it's just no good at all going to Christ for the sake of developing a fuller personality. As long as that's what you're bothering about, you haven't begun, because the very first step toward getting a “real self” is to forget about the self. It will come only if you're looking for something else.
That holds, you know, even for earthly matters. Even in literature or art, no man who cares about originality will ever be original. It's the man who's only thinking about doing a good job, or telling the truth who becomes really original-and doesn't notice it. Even in social life, you'll never make a good impression on other people until you stop thinking what sort of impression you make. That principle runs all through life, from the top to the bottom.
Give up yourself, and you'll find your real self. Lose your life, and you will save it. Submit to death, submit with every fiber of your being, and you'll find eternal life. Look for Christ and you will get Him, and with Him, everything else thrown in. Look for yourself, and you'll get only hatred, loneliness, despair, and ruin.

[@CrossTimbersSon]

His timeless wisdom of “You won’t make a good impression, until you stop thinking about what sort of impression you make” is sure needed today in our world of social media.

[@hildelautenhalvorsen9141]

Do you mean timeless?

[@b_ks]

lol, it does throw shade on "branding" and "influencers", doesn't it?

[@asmartbajan]

@@hildelautenhalvorsen9141 *Surely.* 😂

[@CrossTimbersSon]

@@hildelautenhalvorsen9141 Yes! Thank you!

[@grinningtiki220]

Whats wild is I just truly learned this two weeks ago.

[@Peteroranje]

Doesn't need the music. Just let his voice and words stand on their own.

[@trickyflyproductions]

"No man who cares about originality will ever be original. It's the man who's only thinking about doing a good job telling the truth who becomes really original and doesn't notice it." - That's a word

[@lmfitch1]

And that was him!

[@May-vy5bu]

It would be nice if I understood what he says.

[@chaosdream21]

Isn't it amazing that we can hear C.S. Lewis' real voice?

[@SeaHarp]

We agree!

[@CHJ_3]

And what's even more amazing is that we can envision his writing voice now that we've heard his speaking voice!

[@claudelebel49]

It would be even better without the chimes.

[@larrystratton9543]

That is what I thought immediately. I've been reading him for decades but this is the first time I heard his voice...

[@matswessling6600]

why would it be?

[@stacypeterson7755]

This is perhaps the paradox of all paradoxes - that you must lose your life in order to find it. The problem with being a Christian from the time you were a very small child is that things that are amazing don't amaze. Jesus laid his life down for you? Well, of course he did. It doesn't hit you like a ton of bricks as it does as new information to an older person because it has become part of your larger knowledge, as if that's the way it should be because you never knew anything other than Christ's redemption, purchasing us from slavery to death. "You must lose your life in order to find it," is like that for me because I've had it droned at me at least 3 dozen times by well-meaning pastors and read to me or by me another 4 dozen. Lewis's great gift was/is the ability to make the humdrum electrifying. It is a great gift, this ability of his to make something old and dusty sparkle again. I see him as a conduit to God's wisdom. A fountain of fresh insights. I thank God for him.

[@taylorsessions4143]

Very well said, I have a similar tendency to take the basic principles of the gospel for granted. The newness is gone and with it goes my appreciation. I believe this is why we are created with weaknesses, the weaknesses constantly have me returning to Him and I experience his atonement again, making it new and relevant in my life once more. It is very refreshing to hear Lewis's perspective on this topic and we can appreciate the knowledge that we have even more.

[@sarahyip2825]

@@taylorsessions4143 The part about weaknesses is so on point - drives us to seek Him more. Although it's what I used to baulk at bcoz of acute self awareness. But with maturing self acceptance and grace, the growing awareness of who I am, who I can be "in Christ", is both liberating and growth inducing, moving me forward.

[@taylorsessions4143]

@@sarahyip2825 ❤️

[@dominicmeehan8322]

@@taylorsessions4143 you are/were lucky that you had people in your Life to give you the 'openness' to go to God in your weak moments? This is badly lacking today, generations removed from God, religion, faith and gospel values and truth like hope. Without God there can be no hope...what replaces it? Despair, depression, anxiety.... hopelessness and death! We need God, all the self help books and gurus in the world cannot come close to the fact that Jesus died in order that we might live. No amount of followers can ever give you the peace that comes with knowing (in the words of Isaiah) "you are precious in my eyes and I love you" Now that's amazing

[@taylorsessions4143]

@@dominicmeehan8322 I love it, thank you for sharing. I certainly feel blessed for the people in my life that have tried to keep me on track! You are correct, no one can heal us more completely than the Savior. I've felt it many times.

[@OneMoreStoryWithMK]

“Our real selves are waiting for us in him.”

[@DK-cd8og]

I knowwwww right?

[@smokingcrab2290]

I don't get it

[@jarent2999]

That is such a profound and simple way to put it.

[@ordinaryraccoon]

Why not her?

[@markpalmar70]

It's profound stuff

[@TracyW-me8br]

“Humility isn’t thinking less about yourself, its thinking about yourself less.” I wish I could remember where I heard that.

[@WinkLinkletter]

Well, you heard it, ultimately, from the gentleman here, C.S. Lewis in his book "Mere Christianity". Another great one. I love his book "The Screwtape Letters" in which Uncle Wormwood, a senior demon in Hell, is corresponding with his nephew Screwtape and giving him advice on how to corrupt the soul of the living human that young Screwtape is in charge of leading to damnation. The book consists only of the uncle's letters, while the content of the nephews letters are deduced through the uncle's references. Excellent shorter read and very instructive as to how we are all built and how we can be led astray. Also, my very favorite Lewis, and easily in my top five stories ever, is the science fiction set "Space Trilogy" which includes "Out of the Silent Planet", "Perelandra" and "That Hideous Strength". So entertaining and instructive at the same time. I've read the trilogy maybe four times over the years, will again, and would love a cinematic series if done with rigorous faithfulness. Have a good one T.

[@TracyW-me8br]

@@WinkLinkletter thank you for this very charitable reminder! I should have know it was him 😊 I did read Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce last summer. Excellent writing.

[@kd665]

I had heard of him previously but just starting reading his work last year. Beginning with Screwtape Letters. What an eye opening experience.

[@huggins2856]

Purpose driven life

[@saidycedano3764]

“Look for Christ and you will get Him and everything else, look for your ‘self’ and you will get loneliness and despair.” Really struck me. many times I don’t realize that although I pray consistently go to church consistently and worship it’s all being done in pursuit of a ‘self’ rather than Him. I have gotten much better at it, but there is still room to grow. I pray I surrender the self altogether and finally rest. & that I forgot about the ‘self’ entirely, that I see it with the true minimal value it holds. Thank you so much for posting this video.

[@saidycedano3764]

this includes longing for a ‘self’ that is more like Him and one that satisfies Him, one that knows Him, and one that expands His Kingdom, which may seem great on the surface, but can lead to the same sense of loneliness Lewis speaks about. As Lewis said, you develop an original personality when you stop trying to make one & you make a strong first impression when you don’t worry about making one at all. You abandon the ‘self’ altogether and it became fruitful. I see that as having to abandon the ‘self’ that longs to be the perfect most connected daughter of God, and rest in Him, that He will build me that way, bit by bit by bit.

[@songbird377]

Well said! 🙏🏼

[@vedawattieram15]

Thanks for further clarifying the "self" issue. I am asking myself, whether l am truly pursuing Him.

[@smokingcrab2290]

I don't get it. If I act like Christ it doesn't mean my desires will be fulfilled. Just means I'm treading water till he comes again. That's it. Life doesn't get any better.

[@cynthiasarah4286]

@@smokingcrab2290 true.. it can actually get worse.. i am suffering with him. I am being cruxified. You have to offer up all your suffering united with christ on the cross, for the salvation of souls, and many other things, if i knew what I was signing up for to be shifted like wheat and torn apart, im not sure I would have been baptized as an adult. But he has to purge you of sin. Like st.paul. he put a thorn in his flesh as to not become too elated. I too was too elated at first. He gave me a thousand thorns. But as he tells st.paul my grace ia sufficent for you.

[@IramCoercere]

Jesus Christ is like Salt that brings our real Character out. Brilliant. We don’t have to be product of our upbringing when we give ourselves to God

[@11footmidget92]

Those who "let go of their identity " in this world will find one in Christ

[@oliviacadena2036]

👍👍👍👍🧡❤️🧡❤️

[@normanclatcher]

Working on it.

[@rickrouse7865]

The comparison to salt helps me understand what it means to surrender to Christ. With Jesus you are made complete, and your true essence is realized, like how salt brings out the flavor in food. Then there is no reason to be afraid to surrender all to Jesus because he only adds and enhances your life, he doesn't take away. I need to believe this in my heart. Jesus help me not to be afraid and selfish and welcome you in my life completely.

[@SeaHarp]

Amen. Thanks for sharing some of your journey with us, Rick!

[@amaamazing6379]

Amen❤

[@CristianMartinez-nt5fp]

amen to that brother

[@splash-qi5kn]

Amen

[@niawilliams3812]

Amen. Continue to ask God for his strength to surrender more and more.

[@Sus779]

Bro has taken apart the whole help industry in 6 minutes 💪

[@franciscowalker5104]

What an honorable Christian ...what a genius... Lewis is a GIFT to the world!!

[@micheleroberts1909]

Makes complete sense. We need Jesus, He is the oxygen to life. C S Lewis had a wonderful way of describing the Truth.

[@kevtom1686]

A person can’t fully absorb Christ by talking about Him either. You have to read His Words to absorb Him. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.

[@LeeKobe1]

@karltrapson Kindly, give even one example of what he's saying that's unbiblical.

[@ammitthedevourerofsouls]

Everyone needs Jesus but with how everyone disobeys the ten commandments thinking Jesus is going to pay twice for their sins when he already did once and said it is finished thinking Jesus would allow godless adulterers sacrificing children to Moloch and Baal killing animals and eating flesh against Noah's laws focused on money and not who makes it possible. Would you want that in the promised land? Everyone wants Jesus to do everything for them but don't do anything for him. By definition a parasite when you don't give back. Would you want a parasite in the promised land? Being okay with killing Jesus spitting on him kicking him throwing fluid's on him then wanting him to carry the yoke then pay for their sins so they can continue to sin? Wow, eve the deceiver really deceived everyone. Sounds like Jesus isn't the crucified but he's the crucifier. Jesus doesn't answer to man. Man can't even question Jesus. If Jesus said no they'd have to honor that. Everyone wants into the promised land but if Jesus says no you have forgotten the face of our Father leave, they'd have to leave. Being so many were okay with him dying just to be able to whore around drink blood and eat his flesh. It sounds like Jesus cursed them with the veil so they can't see the truth until it's too late. Imagine you were Jesus and they killed you raped you told lies about you spit on you just to break the ten commandments and have their convenient lives and throw out God and start roe v Wade sacrificing children to Moloch and Baal would you want them in the promised land if you had to make the decision? Be honest, you wouldn't. Being Jesus paid once to get into the promised land you must be immaculate to enter.

[@CristianMartinez-nt5fp]

yes he did 💯

[@nathanheckathorne8061]

Our real selves are waiting for us in him.

[@hjp4137]

Christ came to me when I wasn’t looking for Him, I was in fact very lost. It’s His Nature to come and seek and save the lost and in His Light things broke off me and set me free. I immediately became a preaching of the Gospels without having read the Bible. It wasn’t until a little while of God working in my heart and mind that I was led to read the Gospels, and in the reading of it I recognized everything because I was a living testimony of the Word, that it’s True! God is Real! And He loves you and His Light and energy is so incredibly powerful,,just a taste shifts you to chase after Him. It’s been 12 years and I can stop talking about Him, everyday I commune with Him, growing and ever increasing faith 🔥🙏🏻💕

[@McDoubleFunny]

"No man who cares about originality, will ever be original. It's the man who's only thinking about doing a good job or telling the truth who becomes really original, but doesn't notice it." Damn....I needed to hear that

[@georgealderson4424]

I suppose it's like someone worrying about whether or not they are being modest. If they are doing that, they are thinking about themselves, so they probably aren't very modest after all!

[@erinbuck129]

“Give up your ‘self’ and you will find your real self.” Hit me right between the eyes. Even those of us who already believe in God spend so much time building our identity, thinking we’re doing it right, only watch it all fall apart. Not because we aren’t believers, but because we still hang on to our own idea of ‘self’ and who we want to be instead of letting go and letting God show us who we were meant to be. The foundation has to be right, or the whole structure comes down. Sometimes beginning again is what we need

[@SeaHarp]

Amen! And what a joy that as we "begin again" it's always with a Living Savior! Thank you for watching/commenting!

[@avigoel321]

This video started my journey from Hinduism to Orthodox Christianity. Glory to God for the Sea Harp channel and CS Lewis for introducing me to the living God.

[@bonomather9809]

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. ~Jesus

[@dorei9235]

If you read the transcript without the music it really makes sense.

[@gingerg3922]

I'm 53 years old AND NO ONE HAS EVER EXPLAINED THIS LIKE THIS!!!!!!!😊😊😊😊

[@margaretnewton6409]

I have listened to C.S. Lewis many times, but what resonates in my mind, are his words "when you are on the wrong road, go back to where you started from, and see where you made the wrong turn on the road, and get back on the right road." Jesus Christ, The Messiah keeps those who ask him, along the right way, and we can trust him.

[@SeaHarp]

Yes--and what a joy that our Savior is Himself "the Way." Thank you for watching!

[@alexr.3504]

I just finished Mere Christianity, and I can’t believe how clear Lewis’s voice comes through in his writing. This recording is so wonderful, but somehow also not a surprise. It’s like hearing from an old friend I haven’t seen in some years!

[@arletbode4847]

Most powerful book I have ever read

[@Joey-fq5rr]

You know how in touch with God Lewis was by how evergreen this short passage is. Ideologies, philosophies, pop-psychology comes and goes, but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

[@leadersofleaders]

Amen!

[@crusader2112]

Amen! 🙏🏻

[@lilydauber3147]

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

[@petesbees]

The grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of the Lord endures forever 1 Peter 1:24

[@SeraphsWitness]

Lewis was such a singular speaker. Nobody spoke with such clarity, specificity, intention, wit, and precision all at the same time. No breath is wasted.

[@chase6579]

Him and Chesterton (who was an influence on Lewis.)

[@thomaswayneward]

Millions spoke that way in the past; when people were educated.

[@lancepeterson5408]

Dying to self is painful.

[@stephenmontany7619]

C.s. Lewis the great gift who keeps on giving. He was such a joy to read 40 years ago, he was such a great inspiration to my children when I hardly knew who he was. When I finally was turned to Christ in an astounding way, it was CS Lewis who opened that way up for me and made it real and unapologetic. And this he does still. May Our Lord bless him and all those who find truth in his words.

[@SeaHarp]

Thanks for sharing a little of your journey with Lewis! We appreciate reading this!

[@JorgeGViso]

Lewis' voice is so soothing, such a well-spoken man he was. Listening to him talk is like breathing fresh sea breeze.

[@bibijet1316]

I love it too. My grandpa spike like this; so comforting.

[@Angelina6518]

So true! I am a Voice person and a persons voice says so much about their heart and soul.

[@davidmacdowell9806]

Especially with how english is spoken today!

[@avigailomichael]

😃yes, yes! Derek Prince too. 🤔I wonder if it's a British thing?

[@walkertranger5746]

The music is not good … it’s distracting

[@jonmerrick9654]

“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” -1st Corinthians 1:19 KJV ✝️

[@calebgroncki6045]

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self.” -Aristotle

[@MattMayo-cq2ev]

This is a process I started about a year ago. It hasn't been easy and I have rebelled/failed, still. I'm alone at 53 and I'm not giving up. I have admitted my past life decisions were sinful and not in God's plan. Now I am trying to do what Lewis asks, follow the Bible, and live the Christian Life, for real, per the Bible, per Go and Sin no more. I believe it is the best decision I ever made. Will I sin again? I'm a human. I don't want to, but when I see the vitriolic hatred and emptiness of the non believer,. I feel so fortunate I was Baptized as an infant and always had the Spirit, even when I lived in sin.

[@alasdairmacleod5638]

Cool. But what is with this trend of adding background music to people speaking, I find it really distracting.

[@thenondualisticmystic]

God had already been planting the seeds of these ideas in my mind and then this morning this video popped up in my feed. What a special gift.

[@envioustunic6713]

same here, i had been growing in my faith and facing troubles with the help of God and only a few minutes ago i begun to revert back into negativity to put it lightly and i open up youtube and this is the first thing i saw, boy was it an eye opener

[@quickattackfilms7923]

I can’t wait to meet this man. Obviously I most want to meet Jesus, but after he and I have caught up, I wanna quickly say hi to the apostle Paul, then right on to CS Lewis to talk about his space trilogy.

[@lancepeterson5408]

I don't think there will be any need to meet anyone except God and when your in His presence you won't want to be in anyone else's

[@1515327E]

@@lancepeterson5408That’s almost certain, but to sit with someone like Lewis, Peter or Oswald Chambers and share how their experiences helped your own experience would be an act of humble love. To say “Thank you,” to the soul who helped point you to Jesus as “…the Way, the Truth and the Life,” is an eternal act of loving gratitude.

[@wk1810]

I used to think as you do "I can't wait to meet...", but after 30 years of living in Christ, and suffering many losses, I now only anticipate seeing the altogether lovely Lord Jesus, the blessed and eternal Father, and the sweet Comforter Holy Spirit.

[@jamesraisch1876]

This is a message that desperately needs heard in our time.

[@midnight_77]

What a vital author. I can't imagine my life without Lewis.

[@willpeony5534]

THE MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND.

[@filippians413]

I love CS Lewis. Thank you Jesus.

[@karenp144]

Me too.

[@GrandpaCanCook]

Probably because I'm old and grumpy, and wrecked my hearing while working on a flight deck, but I found the background music a bit distracting. However I am very happy that you posted this. And will be watching the rest of your worthwhile videos. Thank you for posting.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

I found it similar to Grandpa. Hard to concentrate. But quit complaining Grandpa, where's that tasty breakfast you promised us? Grandpa should start cooking ! 😉

[@GrandpaCanCook]

@@SpaceCadet4Jesus Spot on about "grandpa should start cooking" facing some very busy times right now but wanting to do just that.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

@@GrandpaCanCook Hoping everything gets sorted out easily and to your favor. 🙏

[@annemarienelson458]

I am exactly the same ! Why on earth the person posting this ‘needs’ to put background music to it, is beyond me. It’s the same as going to church and listening to a sermon with background music, it takes away from the message. I notice there’s a transcript so that could be another option !

[@GrandpaCanCook]

@@annemarienelson458 Exactly, and here we are listening to the words of a great man like CS Lewis. Surely musich is the last thing you want to concentrate on.

[@truthfulpatriot9129]

“In order to Gain Life ,you must first lay down your life”

[@teodor6835]

Mark Twain once said I’ve had many troubles in my life most of which never happened. Learn to surf the waves of change here and now, relax and breathe, because the quality of our moments becomes the quality of our lives.

[@KeberMaknaan]

“submit with every fiber of your being” my mind can’t wrap this. i can say i know what the sentence means and yet i have no idea.

[@eminemstrash2021]

Allow your will to submit to the higher calling of Christ and not your own pursuits. I believe this can be accomplished through prayer, as you establish your requests to God that his will be done in your life. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. "Trust, delight, commit."

[@ethanmerck]

Perhaps a clearer way to rephrase this, so it doesn't land as self-effort is to say - You must embrace the gift of your old self being crucified with Christ. From realizing that with dead certainty, you can begin counting the natural, get what you earn, slave under law, take care of yourself by your own understanding "you" crucified in Christ's death. What remains then is to grow up into Christ - his purposes & dreams, identity as a child of the Father, and life becoming yours. This is what resurrection life means. Because the submitting of your whole self is impossible, it is gifted to you in the gospel. It means accepting your death and resurrection with Him as ground zero of your being.

[@jsmathe1]

Thank you for explaining it so clearly.

[@RachelLovelace]

"No man who ever cares about originality will ever be original. It's only the man who's thinking about doing a good job or telling the truth who becomes really original and doesn't notice it." ~ C.S. Lewis 2:53 Quote of this decade

[@Janna773]

Amazing to have this. To catch a glimpse of the man behind the words and the imagination. Sorely lacking in today’s world.

[@godishere4]

So true, those who "lose" their lives to Christ will always find it back... (Lose/Let go)

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Fat Deal!!!!

[@smokingcrab2290]

What does this even mean?

[@godishere4]

@@smokingcrab2290 Losing your life for Christ doesn't necessarily connote being killed, it means Living daily not according to our Will and pleasure but according to God's. Making His Word the center of our lives no matter how inconvenient it may seem. Standing for the Truth, no matter how unpopular it is to do so. To mention just a few...

[@KL0098]

The gist of what he says is exactly what self-help books teach.

[@oblonghas]

This is a really interesting take that I haven’t heard stated like this before. Glory to God for all things!

[@tabanimations9444]

I’ve never heard his voice! It’s oddly calming 😌

[@pershorefoodbanktrusselltr3632]

Can’t believe he was once a staunched atheist.

[@jenniferevans2046]

My favourite fellow Christian man - C.S. Lewis. My children, when they were little, first came to an understanding of Jesus in the book he wrote: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Aslan.

[@Beautifullybroken868]

This is so true, though I flow in and out of that reality by doubt, fear and old thought patterns.

[@isusjeputiistinaizivototkr6134]

why fear? Salvation is only in the Lord.

[@SydneyCarton2085]

@@isusjeputiistinaizivototkr6134 because she is human and she is being honest. We all have struggled with doubt to some degree or another but by Gods grace we are reminded of the truth.

[@carpentertom2835]

@@SydneyCarton2085 amen brother

[@petesbees]

Completely understand where you're coming from. It is a step by step process. Sometimes when you take a step, you may fall, but God will always help you stand again

[@Beautifullybroken868]

@@petesbees He always does. Every time

[@teodor6835]

Amazing who this video found me at the exact moment I needed it most. Thank you have a blessed life

[@stevenpotratz1151]

Love CS Lewis! Background music was pretty distracting though.

[@andreahall6774]

This video was timely and no doubt God brought it into my life at the perfect moment. I used to be a self-help junkie, New Age spirituality believer and in the last month have done a complete 180 and given my life over to Jesus... it's wild to see how deceived so much of the population is as all of the "influencers" continue to drone on and on about self-love, self-help, self-awareness... it's all completely narcissistic when you zoom out. Such a great thinker and I'm really excited to keep diving into C.S Lewis' work!

[@onewayup5]

My friend, glad for you_ God opened your eyes to Light! A book I believe you will greatly appreciate: The Great Divorce, by CS Lewis. If it were possible I would gift it to you, but....

[@josephloguidice1841]

My God. Wonderful. Excellent way to start or end a day.

[@Anna-mc3ll]

“Give up yourself, and you'll find your real self.” Yes, but how shall one do this? I don’t even know where or how to start. Is this something a (normal, not exceptional) human being is able to do at all? Thank you for sharing these thoughts by C.S. Lewis! Kind regards, Anna

[@jeffchance8257]

That's a great question and one I have pondered for a long time. The answer is, I believe, incredibly simple, to the extent that most do not believe it. The same thing is also asked: what does it mean to come unto Christ? I believe these are one and the same question. "How shall I do it, this giving up of self?" It is done by trusting that what He asks us to do is what we should do. It's putting Christ and what He invites us to do first above everything else. It is simplistic and so, we not only dismiss it, we denigrate the whole idea of keeping commandments and yet that is the way. Learn of His commandments and keep them. This is the salt that brings out the flavor of life. Doing this mixed with daily repentance is giving up yourself--your natural self--to God. He then takes what you give to Him in this regards and makes you into a new creature. See Romans 12:1-2. Good luck and God bless.

[@Anna-mc3ll]

@@jeffchance8257 Thank you! But how do I know what He asks me to do? How exactly shall I figure it out? How can I be sure that it is not my own little ego that is trying to trick or to fool me?

[@jeffchance8257]

@@Anna-mc3ll Here is what I do. Each morning I pray to Him and ask Him to guide my scripture study for that day and I look for Him speaking to me through the written word. Also, when I pray I try to pay attention to the thoughts that come into my mind such as one this morning to visit someone in the hospital. Then I try to act on it. Trust your feelings and if it is something that whispers to do good, you know that everything good comes from Him, so you can rely on feeling as being either from God or a good, positive thought you made. Either way, you can follow it. If He has already given you answers through His commandments or through an answer you have felt before, maybe don't ask Him more on those things because I believe if we keep asking for something that is answered in His commandments or from an earlier answer, He may just say, "Well, I've already answered this but if you insist, go ahead; it's your choice." It's a very good question. We don't always feel sure because answers are mostly so gentle and imperceptible. I think He must want us to learn how to hear Him. I also think He is so gentle in who He is that we really have to try to figure it out. But if it is good, and if it is in line with what He has said to you or given to us through His commandments, then I think you're okay to follow it. Write down the impressions that come to you as you pray. I'm far from perfect in all of this but I am so grateful for the gentle impressions. And sometimes it takes courage to do what the Spirit whispers. I'm in the same boat as you! I hope this helps.

[@Anna-mc3ll]

@@jeffchance8257 Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and your personal experience! Do you think it is important or even indispensable to be a member of a congregation and to go to church regularly? If so, how shall I know which is the one that is actually trustworthy and leads me on the right path to GOD?

[@hkroesbergen1]

That’s the work of the Holy Spirit , like everything else, I believe that our responsibility is to pray for the things Christ ask from us, Holiness, kindness, humility etc, because without Him as the Lord has said we can do nothing, and all our works are actually the fruit of the dwelling of God the Holy Spirit in us , cause the flesh only produces death and sin, it will be a waste of time to try find something good in us that is acceptable to God, it’s all a filthy rags , to lose one’s self is to be one with Christ through His Spirit, for man it’s impossible but not for God❤

[@kathleenwharton2139]

Thank You 🙏 Jesus I am Trusting You 😇 Your Will Be Done 😊❤

[@calebgroncki6045]

Using allegories to explain or expound on faith - brilliant.

[@reneepaiz9574]

Please cut this down to 4mins. This was awesome and reminds you for me to live is Christ and to die is Gain!!

[@patdcannon]

"If you want to save your life you will bring yourself to ruin, but anyone who brings himself to nothing will find out who they are." ...JC

[@chinothedreamgiver1629]

Standing ovation 👏

[@catherinemelnyk]

I have been looking and longing for this message for a very, very long time. I have been a fan of C.S. Lewis for decades, but I've never heard this. Thank you, and many blessings to you for posting this!!!

[@SeaHarp]

We're so glad it was a blessing to you, Catherine!

[@harrybendelow3537]

Very good. Shame about the music come noise in the background which distracts.

[@chrisspearman2039]

What’s the link to the original audio without the instrumentation in the background?

[@toddashley407]

Brilliantly gifted spiritual mind.... God blessed us with this man.

[@debbiesittard7653]

Forget the imposing views of others of who they think you should be. Let Jesus Christ show you who He wants you to be. Surrender all to Him and He will be sure you get there.

[@missflipz]

Born Again explained perfectly . 🙏❤️

[@JohnMccart777]

I definitely feel the better for having listened. Thank you.

[@SonOfPsalms]

Saying salt has a strong flavor is the most English thing I've ever heard.

[@joedaw3003]

About being original by not being conscious of wanting to be that, really got me. Amazing to hear CS Lewis say this himself, one of the most original thinkers. The other one that came to mind is Bob Dylan, who influenced my journey toward Christ.

[@howchurchworks]

You won't find anyone else that celebrates your life more than Messiah. You won't find any better way to truly live than surrendering your choices to him, for him to give you the most meaningful, full life possible. Self-love is letting go and true surrender into him.

[@SeaHarp]

Amen!

[@johngundaker3312]

Very well stated! I can and will be a more complete person in, through, of, by and with God's help! Thank you for bringing this to light!

[@do7425]

Didn't understand a word but very nice antenna you built there, 73

[@maryschultz741]

Absolutely brilliant!! ✨. I need to listen to this until i have it memorized. So glad i found this channel. ✨

[@lopinitupou4626]

Amen Pastor C.S Lewis Paradoxes of all paradoxes!

[@adoremus4014]

Was Lewis a pastor? I thought he was a layman.

[@lopinitupou4626]

Your right, I made a mistake...sorry

[@adoremus4014]

@@lopinitupou4626 No problem. I also thought he was a pastor but couldn't find any info online, so thank you for the clarification.

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Wow

[@DJK-cq2uy]

@@lopinitupou4626 pfft

[@rickowen4410]

Pray like it all depends on God - a confession & affirmation of personal need & reliance. Then work like it all depends on you - the practical side of faith working with & through God’s gifts of resources & abilities. 🙏

[@nksperling]

As a newbie, a born-again, Spirit-filled Jewish follower of the Lamb, many years ago now, but still going wherever He goes..the Holy Spirit used C.S. Lewis as a primary influence, along with many others in the aggregate of early discipleship..in the Way of the Cross, cleaning the inside of the cup, establishing the Torah via the Power of the Ruach haKodesh and not in the flesh (aka in the power of my own strength) Romans 8:4, working out my OWN SALVATION in fear and trembling, KNOWING that Yahshua Messiah is the Author and Finisher of our trust in Him ..and the eventual solidification, like Paul states in Acts 24:14 But this I (Paul) confess unto you, that after THE WAY which "they" (us Jews then, both Christians and Jews now!!) call HERESY, so worship I the Elohim of my fathers, trusting all things which are written in the Torah and in the Prophets:..Hebrews 13:8 Yahshua Messiah the same yesterday, today and forever 💕....

[@FrightfulLink24Playz]

The man could preach!

[@somethingtothinkabout167]

Yeah this is struggle I dealt with. I couldn't imagine not being me, and yet in Christ, I could be truely and more than just me.

[@jupiterrising887]

Completely agree. We are broken as a people. We are the exiled sons and daughters of Eden, sinners all. You cannot be both the wound and the bandage. Only Jesus can set right what was lost in you.

[@deborahstarman9874]

What a brilliant mind.

[@100Denario]

That was beautiful. God bless you all

[@SeaHarp]

Thank you for watching!

[@WildFaith]

Amen. Surrendering ourselves to the perfect will of God is the ONLY path to true life. ❤

[@patchqx]

Great talk. Thank u for the video title. It really brought it home

[@lindalucas6318]

Ray Scott everyone that I've come to know lives with shame and guilt to one degree or another. It's just how it is! Jesus takes our sin and shame, however, and this is on each one of us, we take it back! Everyday I say please Jesus take it away again, and again. Whether it's Satan or just me, it's a daily battle. What we need to remember is its in the struggle we can find peace that is not of our doing, but receiving Gods generous grace which I am eternally grateful for. The older I get the more I know the only credible answer to life's biggest question is Jesus. Wow, life is worth living for him.

[@deeweb24]

This is wonderful! Im so glad that Jesus has opened the door for me again after all my searching.

[@rahulshinde6210]

G. K. Chesterton - 'Paradox - Truth standing on her head to get attention.'

[@mathieuguillet4036]

One of the wisest men to have ever lived. 🙏🏼

[@lawntko6755]

Powerful. Thanks for the upload

[@thundergrace]

its a supernatural life in Christ

[@SeaHarp]

Amen! Today and everyday!

[@fishtaylfertility]

Been a fan of Lewis for a long time, but I've never heard his voice and had no idea this was how he sounded. So cool. Thank you ❤️

[@SeaHarp]

We're so glad you enjoyed!

[@amcds2867]

Obedience unlocks destiny.

[@amberstephenson3071]

Human nature is infinitely corrupted but, God is Perfection.

[@kathleenphillips6445]

Gave me chills.

[@amygarner879]

I not only find the same truth and beauty in this message, but many comments. M I’ll add my testimony. A lifeguard gave me a wristband that reads, “Jesus changes everything,” on the beach when I broke my back and I was getting loaded onto an ambulance. I’ve never taken it off. . Jesus loves us, he absolutely is truth and life. If you involve Him in your daily routine, you’ll become a changed person. Your routine will also likely change. He lives! He is coming soon!

[@SeaHarp]

Thank you for sharing your story, Amy!

[@dannymcmahon449]

Someone needs to fix the closed captioning of this selfless insight

[@rveats]

Re upload without the music please, it takes away from it

[@michaeltheevangelist8893]

We really do live in a word where often we get the opposite of what we are trying to achieve I. E those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted those who are first will be last and those who are last will be first those who try to find their life will lose it and those who lose their life will find it and so on

[@innovizeuk]

We are all just butterflies bumping at the walls trying to get out of a window. We have forgotten that we're the ones that created the walls in the first place. Maybe if we just breath and enter the present moment more deeply, we'll find that Christ lives within us and always has. 💚

[@Donna-cc1kt]

I felt that. Well said. (Ya might wanna change the fly into a bee or butterfly. People find flies repugnant.)But I heard you! Thanks.

[@innovizeuk]

@@Donna-cc1kt butterflies are just flies with wings but if it makes you happy, done 😜

[@amygarner879]

Beautiful

[@WinkLinkletter]

@@innovizeuk Butterflies don't swarm my picnic after hanging out on piles of feces. Inaccurately reductive statement. Often "just" indicates this. And while being able to be present in the moment is critical, I also feel Christ asks more of us than to relax and breathe. He knocks, but we must let Him into our hearts, and do His work.

[@WinkLinkletter]

@@Donna-cc1kt You are more than some insect knocking into walls, Donna. You aren't "just" anything.