The daily battle with ego
Tony has been a faithful volunteer for my ministry. One of his ongoing assignments is to pick up retreat attendees at the airport and drive them to the camp where we hold our regular ministers’ retreats. During the 45-minute trip he often strikes up a conversation and discovers their hobbies and interests.
A couple of years ago an attendee shared with Tony that he enjoyed playing golf in his spare time. Tony is an avid golfer. He’s also a golf ball hawker. He gets a kick out of finding lost balls and reusing them or giving them away as gifts.
So, he decided to bring the minister he had just met a dozen pro-style golf balls that were almost like new. That’s about the best gift any golfer can receive.
Mistaken present
The next day I encountered Tony as he was making his way from the parking lot to the lodge and noticed he was carrying an egg carton. When I asked if he was delivering groceries, Tony informed me the carton contained a dozen new golf balls as a gift.
Now, in all fairness, Tony and I had discussed playing golf before. However, being the egocentric person I am, I naturally assumed the golf balls were for me. I responded, “Well, Tony, thank you very much! I really appreciate that.” Grabbing the balls, I carted them back to my car.
Not having the heart to tell me the truth, Tony just walked away empty-handed. That poor young minister never got the gift. Two years later and much better acquainted, Tony recently related the story. We laughed at my presumption and his reticence. But I felt like such a fool! How could I be so self-centered? How embarrassing!
Continuing challenge
This encounter reminded me of the fact that pride is a daily battle, especially for church leaders. About the time we think we’ve got our ego under control, it resurfaces. We can do some stupid, embarrassing and sinful things when driven by ego and not even recognize it. And our self-centeredness hurts our Christian witness and credibility.
C.S. Lewis insisted that pride is at the core of almost every sin:
- Why do people commit adultery? It doesn’t usually begin with sexual attraction but with ego. We’re flattered that someone shows an interest in us.
- Why do people succumb to greed? It’s usually because possessions are a way of proving our self-worth.
- Why do people get so easily miffed when someone criticizes them or disrespects them? It’s because we have an inflated view of our own importance.
- Why are people so slow to apologize? It’s because we are too prideful to admit we can be wrong.
- Why are people so self-centered and narcissistic? It’s because we think the world revolves around us.
That’s why Jesus instructed His disciples to “deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The battle with pride is a daily struggle. We won’t win every battle but it’s healthy to evaluate our motives, analyze our actions, recognize ego when it surfaces, repent of it and seek to be more like Christ the next day.
Taking note
Take note of how many of your thoughts are focused on yourself. Seek to develop the mindset of Christ who—as Philippians 2:5-8 teaches—though being God, humbled himself and made Himself nothing, taking on the nature of a servant and becoming obedient unto death.
I read an article recently by a longtime believer that began: “I would like to confess to you my deepest struggle in my walk as a follower of Christ: Pride.” Then he added, “The contrast of my pride and the humility of Jesus crushes me, drives me to my knees before a holy God.”
Me too. After being a Christian for manyyears I still think a gift of golf balls is naturally for me. That’s why I’m thankful my salvation doesn’t depend on my good works, but on Christ’s perfect work for me on the cross.
The daily challenge for all of us is to be like Jesus, in humility valuing others first and looking to their interests first (Philippians 2:3-4).
Photo source: istock
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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