Ego and satisfaction...

The human 'ego' is a powerful 'thing'... I can't quite think of a better word to use than 'thing' (the 'ego' is not truly an objective thing, rather it is something of a subjective state of being (or states of being)... But I think you get the idea)!

The reason for this post and video results from a discipline I have been trying to cultivate in that few weeks. In recent weeks I have been spending quite a bit of time 'pushing others to the front'. By this I mean, I have been quite deliberate about finding ways to step back from things that will put me in the limelight by rather encouraging the work, efforts, and recognition of other persons. I realise that I need this. First, I need it because the struggle to keep my own ego under control reminds me just how powerful my ego is in shaping my experience of life, peace, and joy. Second, I realise that I need to do this because it is good when other persons are celebrated for their gifts and achievements! We should never live with a scarcity mentality when it comes to blessing, recognition and praise! What I have discovered for myself is that there is plenty of joy to go around - seeing someone else being blessed and recognised has brought me great joy as well. Although, I would like to think that this is not why I have been practising "playing second fidle" (as Eugene Peterson puts it in his translation of Romans 12:9-16.

Isn't this just wonderful?

9 Love from the center of who you are; don?t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. 10 Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. 11 Don?t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, 12 cheerfully expectant. Don?t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. 13 Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. 14 Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. 15 Laugh with your happy friends when they?re happy; share tears when they?re down. 16 Get along with each other; don?t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don?t be the great somebody.

The human ego can be an incredibly powerful thing! Sadly, I like many others, am enslaved by my ego. It causes us to feel unworthy, it prompts me to be less than loving, not supportive of the gifts and blessings of others. This is certainly not Christian!

However, the one thing that I can assure you is that you need to have a strong sense of security, and a firm foundation for your ego, if you're going to push others to the front! I have frequently found this source of strength in the spiritual discipline of prayer. As I pray for others, for their blessing and success, I find that my attitude towards them changes (perhaps bringing me in line with God's attitude towards them?) But, it is not easy! It is a lot like the discipline of exercise! I have found that I literally have to practice playing second fiddle!

Well, here's a video that I made about this... Perhaps the verses and insights might offer some challenge and encouragement.



I would love to hear from you! Please share any insights and thoughts on this subject.