Ego

<<opinion of yourself>>

Egotism is an excessive focus on oneself and reveals with such a person being conceited, preoccupied with their own self-image, having an inflated view of themselves and their importance (Rom 12:3; 2 Cor 10:12). The Bible

The place for our ego is on the cross

is true, “Pride goes before a fall” (Prov 16:18). Satan made repeated boastful claims about promoting himself – God dealt severely with this, the ultimate ego out-of-control (Isa 14:12-15). When early civilisation said, “Let’s make a name for ourselves”, God soon put a stop to that wrong attitude (Gen 11:1-10). Haman’s boasting was short lived, leading to his downfall and death (Est 5:11,12, 7:10). Immediately after King Nebuchadnezzar had declared, I have built this “by my power and for the glory of my majesty” he also was humbled (Dan 4:28-37).

While it is good to have goals, our motives as Christians should be to make Him famous, for we are just the channel or vessel used (Ps 115:1; 1 Cor 1:31; Gal 6:14). When we have submitted and co-operated in what He has achieved, do not confuse His goodness with personal greatness; rather view it as we have had the privilege of participating in God's work.

It is either self or Christ – either 'I will' or 'Thy will'

Self is the ungodly focus of society today with contentment considered only achieved by satisfying its desires. Although we are to have good self-esteem and value our worth, this should not be overtly displayed; the warning of Jesus is "whoever exalts himself will be humbled" so have a humility of spirit as “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Prov 8:13; Mt 23:12; Jas 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5). Clearly, an inflated ego and it's focus on self are contrary to the attitude of humility Christians are to have, where the emphasis is to be on love for God and the concerns of others rather than putting ourselves first (Mk 12:30,31; Lk 9:23). Yet Jesus said this is the way to real life (Lk 9:24).