EGO =Edging God Out

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Psalm 10:4

Within a blog post Regi Campbell defined ego with an acronym: Edging God Out. He wrote, “’When we’re going for what we want, irrespective of what God wants, our ego is in charge and we start ‘edging God out.’”

Egos edge God out and off the center stage position He should have in our lives. Pride puffs us up and pushes God from the throne of our hearts. Prideful people have no room in their thoughts for God.

God’s Word is clear. Pride is a serious sin. He hates it! Pride seeks God’s rightful place within our hearts and fails to acknowledge humble dependence on Him in all things. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished  (Proverbs 16:5)

Prideful people edge God out of their plans by running into the day without prayer and guidance from His Word. Their actions demonstrate they don’t need God or His help. They can handle things on their own! The humble make much of God by acknowledging that they need Him every hour. They commit all that they do to Him (Proverbs 16:3).

Prideful people edge God out of their conversations when they misuse His name, gossip, and judge. They twist their stories to make much of themselves, and manipulate discussions for personal gain. Humble people use their words to honor and exalt God, and to look out for the interests of others. Their prayer is that all the words they speak and think be pleasing to Him (Psalm 19:14).

Prideful people edge God out of their lives by putting false idols on the throne of their hearts. They seek the gods of comfort and security in their bank accounts instead of His provision. They look for affirmation and approval from others instead of their identity in Christ. They’re white knuckled and anxious as they seek control and power rather than trusting in their Father’s sovereign care.

Scripture says that God looks intently at the humble. He shows pleasure, favor, and care to those who walk humbly with Him. “This is the one to whom I will look: he (she) who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2, ESV).

HE>i: Is there anything edging God out of being the center of your life? If so, humble yourself in prayer and ask Jesus to be the center. 

At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.

John Stott

grace and peace,

Lenae