Controlling Your Ego As A Christian
Show me Christians who struggle with controlling their ego and I will show you Christians walking in the flesh. Hear me correctly! What I am not saying is that accepting Christ equals no more ego. What I am saying is that finding Christ translates to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which also translates to the Holy Spirit working on sins that easily beset us.
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 16:18-19 NKJV
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Proverbs 12:1 NKJV
Do not get me wrong! I have an ego too! I mean, I know that I am priceless to God. And I am made in his likeness and image. But when this knowledge of who i am, turns into self importance/centeredness then, that is where the problem is.
We are all important in God’s kingdom and when one starts feeling like “the world revolves around me”, you are indirectly making yourself your god. Thus, missing out on the joy and peace that God intends for us to have in Christ.
Furthermore, as Christians, we are called to live as humble servants of God. This means that we are to focus on serving and glorifying God in all we act and do. Now, how can our lives be all about God when there is so much ego (all about oneself) in us? It would not work. For God to have full control of our lives, we have to rein in on our egos.
Controlling your ego as a Christian looks like this:
- Identifying as a servant: Want to get rid of unnecessary ego and pride? Identify as a servant. When we see ourselves as servants of God, it automatically removes the preoccupation with self and shifts it to God. We are aware that we are nothing but clay in the hands of the potter (God). So in all we do, we remember that it is service to God and as such, no need for puffed up shoulders.
Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
John 13:16 NKJV
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.
Colossians 3:12 NKJV
- Knowing that you are not your accomplishments: Most times, we tend to attach a lot of importance to our achievements and successes. Yes! You should be proud of all achievements and aspire to do more. However, never mistake it for who you are or boast about them. Because they are not you or complete you. Instead be grateful for them and know that everything you have received, you received from God.
- Making peace with the fact that you are not right all the time: Christians think they know it all. Although the truth remains that no one can be right, all the time. Mistakes are a big part of growth. Therefore, a tip in controlling one’s ego and submitting to the Holy Spirit, is letting go of the need to be right all the time and leaning on Him for divine guidance and direction.
- Letting go of control sometimes: If you are a control freak like me, then we can agree that this is hard. But how does God work in and through us, if we want to control everything? It will not happen. Shrinking our egos is the only way we can fully surrender to the will of God for our lives. Here, we know that there are certain things we cannot control. So we hand them over to Him, rather than worry.
And these are my tips on how Christians can control their ego today. Feel free to join the conversation.
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