Ego Check!
In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. –Psalm 10:4
I have heard a lot about pride lately. I have listened to it on radio programs and have talked about it a little in a group setting. It is easy to talk about, but not necessarily easy to face. It actually one of those “ouch” moments that one tries to avoid. Looking in the mirror after waking up in the morning, one maybe in for a rude awakening, of sorts. There is no stronger “awakening” as when you look into a spiritual mirror and see yourself as God sees you.
Being a creative person, I love what I am allowed to produce or create on a daily basis. The older I get, the more I appreciate “constructive” criticism. Sometimes a comment or facial expression will send me back fleeing back to my corner of defensiveness. God, through the Holy Spirit, reminds me I need an ego check. During these reminders I can choose to continue focusing on the issue that has hurt my pride or become humbled.
The process of becoming humbled is not automatic. Like the verse says, we have to focus our thoughts on God. As long as we are concentrating on the situation, the hurt, the disappointment – we are not seeking God. In essence, that is a sin in itself. Choosing to be a victim or stay positioned in a “woe is me” state just makes us more self-absorbed. When we seek out God, he can reveal to us how the hurt or offense is a stepping stone to another level of growth.
Do you need to make room for God in your thought life today? I needed to do an ego check today! Actually, probably several times over the past few weeks. Better to catch yourself and confess, then to let the enemy take advantage of your weak moment.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11
