The Ego Dilemma

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The Ego Dilemma - Marcus 2229

One Pillar

The ego problem is a character problem…It destroys relationships because it is self-centered. It is the antithesis of humility.” Unbeatable! Seven Pillars of Personal Excellence

One Principle

The word ‘ego’ has been appearing quite a number of times in my life recently, both in my readings and in conversations. Part of that reason is that I’ve been intentionally studying the effects of ego, both from a spiritual and secular perspective. The research is consistent: ego is dangerous. Its siblings are arrogance, hubris, conceit and narcissism. Its focus is on the self, on appearances, on image. It is overly concerned with how others view you.

I have drawn great inspiration from the New Testament figure, John the Baptist, who had the honour of preparing the pathway for Jesus’ public ministry. His words ring deep and can easily be memorized. In referring to Christ, the Messiah, he says: “He must become greater. I must become less.” Amazing. There are not many sources, whether biblical or extra-biblical that capture the heart of humility like that passage in the third chapter of John’s Gospel. Less of me, more of Jesus, the perfect man, excellent in everything and faultless. Jesus had no ego problem. He was and is the epitome of humility and when mistreated, he typically responded with silence. In his mind, God would take care of justice. Man’s opinion of him simply did not matter.

One Practical

In the upcoming week, you are likely to be misrepresented, misread, misheard or misunderstood. Don’t try to clarify the situation or justify yourself. Leave it alone.

To learn more about these pillars of personal excellence, read UNBEATABLE! which is now available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.

This Post Has 14 Comments

  1. Larry

    Nice.

    1. Shelley

      Thanks for this timely reminder and excellent example of the heart/disposition of John the Baptist.

      My ego tends to become crushed when I’m misunderstood or misrepresented.

      1. J. Tyrone Marcus

        You’re not alone Shelley. I can relate. That’s why these examples from spiritual people are so inspiring. It means that these character goals are attainable.

  2. Anthony Gafoor

    Dear Tyrone,

    This is a timely reminder to check our egos and to focus on others. St.Paul likewise reminds us that for God to increase we must decrease. Blessings.

  3. J. Tyrone Marcus

    Thanks for these helpful comments Anthony and for the reminder that the apostle Paul and John the Baptist had a consistent message centred on the pursuit of humility.

  4. Michelle Marcus

    Thank you Tyrone, especially being in an environment heavily dominated by ego, its hard for me to be thinking about being humble.

    1. J. Tyrone Marcus

      It’s a real struggle Michelle but we can attain freedom from being ego-driven by accessing the divine nature available to us.

  5. Dave

    I appreciate this particular blog as this hits close to home. It’s a daily challenge which I have to fight to overcome. Thanks for the insight

  6. Natalie

    Thanks Tyrone one of my favorite writers Dr Wayne Dyer has the best acronym for EGO edging God Out. which has stuck with me for years and yes he Jesus much become greater and flesh becomes less it a daily struggle of bringing out thoughts and actions and making it obedience to Christ .thanks again food for thought and for pointing us in the direction of Christ May our Lord continue to bless u with wisdom and insight as u teach others his way.

  7. J. Tyrone Marcus

    Thank you Natalie. Similar to Wayne Dyer, Ken Blanchard was the first person from whom I learned that E.G.O. could mean Edging God Out. I want to have the humility to keep dying to self so that my life reflects divine power and wisdom, not my own.

  8. Rick

    Yes EGO is dangerous. Like the article.

  9. J. Tyrone Marcus

    Thank you Ricardo. Ego is indeed a threat that we must consistently ward off through the relentless pursuit of humility.

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