About my ego — a recent example:
I’ve worked at the same job site for 25 years and counting. This afternoon a young lady approached me and asked “Miss, are you new here?” I simply replied “No, I’m not new.”
After she and her friend walked away, my brain started working on all of the possible responses I could’ve said instead like “NO, are YOU new here?” (translated “Don’t you know who I am?”)
That’s an example of my ego that occassionally needs to be checked.
Fortunately for me, God is faithful to humble me with a regular consistency I can count on for spiritual growth.
Good
Lord
Help
me
Please
Upon my early morning walk before the sun came up, I gained some much needed clarity regarding the source of all my fears and worries.
It’s my
E dging
G od
O ut
And it has to be smashed!
Similar to the obnoxious seagulls in Disney’s Finding Nemo movie, I find my thoughts gravitate toward a “Mine, Mine, Mine” mentality when it comes to my insatiable need for financial security.
This is ego.
Where it really rears it’s ugly head is when the thoughts in my head start playing the comparison game.
If you only knew how much I’ve perfected my ability to mentally abuse myself for past transgressions.
Even though God’s Word tells me a different story (Psalm 103:12, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:14–15).
God reminds me that I am forgiven, as I have forgiven others; and this principle includes forgiving myself as well.
Let
Go
Let
God
It is my ego that constantly berates me for “failing at my first marriage.”
This negative self-talk on repeat results from comparing myself to friends and peers who are successfully celebrating 35+ years of happily wedded bliss and appear to have it altogether financially, spiritually, and all the other ways I personally value.
But alas, that is not my story.
That is not my journey.
Not only is it possible for me to be genuinely happy for them (which I truly am), but it is also healthy for me to use my own personal inventory to accept responsibility for my own part in the demise of my former marriage, discover the life lessons, and then humbly move forward with these take-aways in tow in place of the guilt and shame.
Part of this process includes sharing my Redemption Story with others as I have recently done with our small group from church and my local weekly women’s Bible study group.
In doing so, I clarify that God did not call me to divorce. But He did carry me through it. Jesus walked faithfully by side (in my heart) through the 40+ days of proverbial wilderness, in the grief-stricken aftermath of divorce.
It’s comforting to be reminded that there is purpose in my pain.
The suffering is not in vain.
When my mind begins to self-sabotage with a severe unforgiving verbal beating over my past mistakes, God provides this empowering suggestion:
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
May this reminder bless you today as well.
When I observe “ugly” behaviors in myself or others, 99.9% of the time (maybe even 100%) I attribute it to ego and pride.
Yes, it’s true that LOVE and fear are the only two emotions.
But ego and pride (a.k.a. right-fighting) often cause road rage, divorce, estranged family members, hate-filled political rhetoric on social media, “mine, mine, mine” mentality, and other ugliness polluting this broken world.
All we need is…
Shalom
Shalom is a Hebrew word (שלום) that means far more than just “peace” as an absence of conflict. It fundamentally signifies completeness, wholeness, health, welfare, and safety. Derived from a root meaning “to be whole” or “finished,” it implies a state of being in harmony with God and others, where nothing is lacking — AI overview.
Agape Love
Agape (pronounced ah-gah-pay) is the highest form of love, defined as selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial, focusing entirely on the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. Originating from Greek, it represents a conscious choice to act in love rather than a feeling, often exemplified by divine love. It is distinguished from emotional or, affectionate love, representing a committed,, active benevolence — AI overview.
We are all works in progress.
May we seek wisdom regarding ways to be less selfish (egotistical) and more loving and kind toward our fellows.
Want more of this positively peaceful energy?
—
This post was previously published on medium.com.
Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox.
Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice.
Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there!
***
–
Photo credit: Eleni Afiontzi On Unsplash
