How good is self forgetfulness- Chapter 7

I wonder exactly where we are at chronologically at the moment. The opposition of the pharisees has grown to such an extant that they are sending up delegations from Jerusalem to check on him. Interesting that as well as the pharisees we have 'some of the scribes'. And then what follows is something that at times could be an issue for me. It's the other side of the coin to thinking Westlakes is not rigorous enough in their approach to the bible. I imagine I'd be on the pharisees and scribes side on this. There can be a pride that comes with a level of competence or mastery (for those that get there). And as Tozer was writing the other night, there can be that looking over the shoulder thing as well- hoping that people are noticing your competence. He took a similar incident to this one and commented how the pharisees were more concerned with the opinion of man than of pursuing God.
How good is self forgetfulness. Even with this blog, I can have that 'this is good stuff- they are some very good insights' type thing. -so it is fortunate that no-one is reading it. - and telling me that or the opposite. You can somehow live your life out there- with an eye on what other people think, and sometimes an awareness that you are talented in a particular area as well, so with your eye out to confirm that through others. I had a text from a couple at church telling me how they appreciated my wise comments on the panel at church. It was flattering. I think I've broached this before in this amazing blog- there are dangers there in that moment- of pride in a God given talent, or fear of the talent or the recognition it may bring. I wonder where Paul went with all of this? One thing is he probably didn't get too much time to do too much introspection. It may be a particularly 20/21st century phenomena, and he was busy in the task, not sitting in a monastry with a beautiful view. But he talks of coming to the Corinthians was it? In trembling with no flash message- just Christ crucified, no eloquent words, just the power of the gospel. Elsewhere he talks about having reasons to boast- and says he has more than most- and has seen glorious visions- talks about a man caught up to the third heaven (what's going on there?) - My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Treasures in jars of clay, that need to lose our lives so that we may find them. Like Edmund who seemed to forget himself even though he had stuffed up majorly and put everything in jeopardy- he just kept looking at Aslan. And the spirit of Luke 17- what else would a slave do? You are making a big deal out of the ordinary.

Mr Macdonald understood it...

“The love our neighbour is the only door out of the dungeon of self, where we mope and mow, striking sparks, and rubbing phosphorescences out of the walls, and blowing our own breath in our own nostrils, instead of issuing to the fair sunlight of God, the sweet winds of the universe.”

“...She was looking gloomy, and his father was silent; and indeed except Diamond had done all he possible could to keep out the misery that was trying to get in at doors and windows, he too would have grown miserable, and then they would have been miserable together. But to try and make others comfortable is the only way to get right comfortable ourselves, and that comes partly from not being able to think of ourselves when we are helping other people. For our Selves will always do pretty well if we don't pay them too much attention. Our Selves are like some children who will be happy enough so long as they are left to their own games, but when we begin to interfere with them, and make them presents of too nice play things, or too many sweets they begin at once to fret and spoil.”

How did this take place? In some public place, where the pharisees and scribes had opportunity to gather around him.