by Sean Stuyverson

The series on temptation spoke directly to me. I am a perfect example of someone who growing up in Tallahassee looked really good on the outside, but has always had struggles. I know that at the center of all my sin and struggles is selfishness and "if only" statements.  

I recently was in a wedding, and I can honestly say is was one of the most Christ centered and uplifting weddings I've ever been to. Weddings can be so self-focused in our culture. The morning of the wedding, the Pastor read to all the groomsmen Mark 10:45, "For Christ came not to be served, but to serve others and to give His life a ransom for many." This wedding could have easily been self-focused, but instead the Pastor, groom, and everyone involved really glorified Christ in every stage of the wedding. This verse and wedding spoke to me so much because I realized that at the root of all of my sin is my own selfishness and how I want to be served. I find myself saying, "if only" so much, and the problem is my heart. 

I recently told this same story to my college guys community group and we all agreed that our selfish hearts are the center of all our sin. That wedding I was in was a reminder of how spending time with other believers is so important. We need to be around believers that are service oriented and that want to glorify Christ. We can't expect to be around sin that we ourselves may struggle with, and be able to understand temptation. I am praying that God will heal my own heart from my selfish desires, and give me a heart to serve Him and others. It is a battle that I have to pray for God's strength to overcome every day.  

(Sean is from Tallahassee, FL and is married to Leah Stuyverson. He works as a Financial Advisor at North Florida Financial Corporation. If you would like to contact Sean, he can be reached at sean_stuyverson@northfloridafinancial.com)