People often seek identity in isolation not realizing that identity is found in community.

People often seek identity in isolation not realizing that identity (should be place and not identity and much about who we are can be discovered in) is found in community. -Dom, leadership summit. - Do i agree with this? Yes and no. I think a good quiet time with God helps us to find our place in community. Could add people try to find their identity in community not realizing that their identity is found in God.
I think self focus sounds more arrogant than humble but when it comes down to it if we want to truly love people and serve in the best way possible (ie. be communally pious) we need to know who we are and how we can serve best and longest, and to do that takes reflection on the self in God's presence. We usually can't give what we don't have. A little time spent taking out the log in our own eye will help us to see others more clearly and to love them better. A little personal piety in the right doses can help us to aviod large character flaws and working less effectively (especially in group situations). Taking the times of ebb to reflect and allowing that change to flow out into the world is how we grow.

Peace,
Adam
PS I like your ZZZ's. With a God as big as ours there is so much to say. And although I love that message, learning how to apply it to life would certainly be gladly welcomed.
PSS it reminds me of asking youth group kids for prayer requests and getting only prayer requests for their aunt's friend's friend or anyone other than themselves. And I am thinking that I would love to pray for your grandmom's bingo partner but I also want to pray for you! Don't you realize that there are hundreds of things that you could and should ask for God's help with?!
PSSS Will you explain to your martians what being set apart really means?

We have got to learn that when we serve the poor we are worshiping God.

Mark 9:36-38 (New International Version)
36He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Mtt 25
Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'