Removing the Dot That Diminishes His Glory
A simple frame lets the beauty of the picture speak for itself, just as a surrendered life points to Jesus alone.
Devotional Credit:
Days of Heaven Upon Earth
Photo Credit:
Unsplash
When Paul declared that we do not proclaim ourselves but Jesus as Lord, he revealed a subtle but dangerous obstacle to the life of abiding in Him: the self-life. It can take the form of self-importance, self-interest, self-confidence, or the quiet desire to maintain our own standing before others. Even when these things seem small, they can quietly compete with Jesus for our trust and attention.
The devotional writer, A.B. Simpson, compares this to the tiny dot above the letter “i” on a printed page. That dot lifts the letter above the rest, drawing the eye upward. In much the same way, our own desire for recognition or influence can elevate us in our own sight. While it might seem harmless, it is in fact a rival to the Spirit’s work in us and a barrier to walking in the fullness of life in Jesus.
This is not about denying that God values us, but about letting go of any claim to significance apart from Him. The Lord does not share His glory with self-effort or self-promotion. The Spirit’s work is to remove the “dot” so that all our life, ministry, and reputation flow purely from Jesus as our source. Only then are we free from the exhausting burden of maintaining our own image.
When the self-life is set aside, the glory of the Lord fills the space it once occupied. Just as the Tabernacle was filled so completely with His presence that Moses could not enter, so our hearts become fully occupied with Him when self is removed. It is then that we discover the peace, joy, and fruitfulness that come only from a life fully yielded to the indwelling Christ.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You were not made to preserve your own image or to build your own reputation. Your life is hidden with Me in God, and it is My life that is meant to be seen through you. I have already placed you in a position of complete acceptance in the Beloved. You do not need to lift yourself up, for I am your glory and the lifter of your head.
The self-life will always try to add its own mark to what I am doing. But I have called you to be crucified with Me so that it is no longer you who live, but I living in you. That small “dot” of self-importance may seem harmless, but it will cloud your vision of Me and dull the clarity of My voice. I have already broken its power. Yield to Me and let it go.
As you set your mind on things above, you will find the joy of being free from the need to be noticed. You will discover the rest of simply abiding in Me, letting My Spirit bear fruit that speaks for itself. The less room you make for self, the more My fullness will fill you, and the more others will see Me instead of you.
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 4:5, Colossians 3:1–4, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 3:3, John 15:5, Philippians 3:7–9, 1 Peter 5:6–7, Exodus 40:34–35
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a picture frame that is too ornate. The carvings and gold leaf draw the eye away from the picture itself. Instead of admiring the artwork, people notice the frame. But when the frame is simple, it serves its purpose without competing for attention.
In the same way, our self-life can be like that ornate frame, distracting from the One we are meant to display. When we let the Holy Spirit simplify us, the focus shifts back to Jesus. Today, in any interaction or responsibility, you can quietly yield your tendency to be noticed and instead whisper, “Lord, I trust You to be seen through me right now.”
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that I am fully accepted in You and need no other claim to worth. You have freed me from striving to be seen, heard, or recognized apart from You. I rest in the truth that You are my life and my glory. I rejoice that You have removed the self-life’s claim and filled me with Your presence. May every thought, word, and action today reflect not me, but You living in me.