As I have said before, human beings often struggle with what many call selfism. Selfism is a philosophy, teaching, or tendency that centers on man. One of the major problems with this philosophy for Christians is that they let it influence the way they think about the Gospel of God. Although the Scriptures teach that God is mindful of man (Ps. 8:4), they also teach that God creates and redeems for the sake of His name.

I was reminded of this a few days ago when reading Exodus 6-8. Numerous times, within these three chapters, the writer makes it clear that the ultimate reason God delivers His people is for His own glory (Ex. 6:6-7, 7:17, 8:1, 8:10). He says, “I will redeem you (Israel) with an outstretched arm…I will take you for my people and I will be your God and you shall know that I am the Lord your God (Ex. 6:6-7).

Does this mean that God is self-centered? Yes. Is this a bad thing? No. The reason being man-centered is bad is because it involves putting our interest and concern in a being who is infinitely inferior to God. God is the greatest being in existence. He is the only one who is self-existent—meaning He is dependent upon and needs nothing. He has created and is sustaining all things in existence and is infinitely greater than His greatest creation. Therefore, He alone is worthy of praise. Who else could God center on but Himself?

Another reason I believe it is good that God is self-centered is because we are to be God-centered. The Bible says that we are to be “…imitators of God” (Eph. 5:1). If God was man-centered, we would need to follow His example and be centered on ourselves.

Being God-centered, however, does not mean that man does not have any significance. Scripture is clear that God has given man worth by creating Him in His image. We should then follow His example by valuing human life, but should not make man the sole focus of our existence. Our ultimate purpose should be the same as His ultimate purpose—to glorify God.

After the story of God's deliverance of His people from Egypt, a song is recorded in Exodus 15. I thought it a fitting conclusion because in it Moses sings, “Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders” (Ex. 15:11)?