"Self" is a very demanding god, always looking for advantage, full of deception, and fully prepared to justify sin and unrighteousness. "Self" often wears an outward appearance of humility, can be narcissistic while claiming to be the victim, will secretly resent the success of others, and resides to some degree in the hearts of all of the sons and daughters of Adam. "Self" is tireless in trying to nudge Jesus off the throne of human life. "Self" will always seek its own way, and only the Holy Spirit can keep it in check during the life of the struggling, hard pressed, devout believer. To keep "Self" from sitting on the throne of our lives, we need the word of God and prayer. A good verse to always acknowledge is John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Soli Deo Gloria.