Tag Archives: ego

May 4
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“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  (Luke 14:11, NIV)

Humility.

Jesus tells us that we ought not exalt ourselves (e. g., seek time in the spotlight).  In other words, do not covet a status that is higher, larger, or more powerful, for personal benefit or glorification.

Our ego is fed by such things, but in the context of today’s scripture Jesus challenges us to resist the temptation of self-promotion and self-elevation so common in our society.  We should, instead, take our place with the least and the last among us.  In God’s time, truly humble individuals are always recognized with a public promotion that no one can take-back or take away.  – Luther

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July 8
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“Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.”  (Acts 7:25, NIV)

It surprises us — as it did Moses — that others do not realize our status as God’s rescue agent.  From “the outside looking in,” we see situations differently than those in the crisis.

At such moments — when we are filled with enthusiasm, energy, and ardor — we need to guard against the temptation to become “tactical”; that is, to become more concerned about a particular, single battle than we are the entire war.  Many have lost wars despite having won most of the battles.  The key is to choose, to fight, and to win the right battles.

Above all, it is crucially important that we keep our ego in check. The recognition and praise of others is a poor barometer (as we saw with Jesus on Palm Sunday when he entered Jerusalem to the praise of the people, only to hear many of those same voices call for His crucifixion a few days later).

Instead, work assiduously for the honor and the glory of our heavenly Father.  – Luther

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