Ego or Authority by Mayada Naami
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. John 16:13-15 NIV
I recently was blessed with a regional position that I have worked over 20 years to achieve. In 2002, when my 2 children were pre-teens, I divorced their dad and found myself a single mom back in the workforce trying to figure myself out. So many questions were going through my head. At that time, I was a believer but not a follower of Jesus; I wasn’t walking with the Lord. I didn’t understand that being in a relationship with God the Father required me having a relationship with Jesus and making him the Lord and authority over every aspect of my life.
I went from restaurant hostess to manager to Regional Director and during this 20-year journey I now realize that my position was ordained by God every step of the way. Someone once told me ego is an acronym for edging God out. It is very easy to develop an ego and think that my success had everything to do with my resilience and hard work, however, the truth is I delayed my success several times along the way when I did things without consulting with Jesus.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
The Bible tells us He is the Wonderful Counselor but I, like most people, did not seek His counsel when faced with challenges. I repeated mistakes over and over again until I had to face the truth that I was going to be in the same spot over and over again until I learned the life lesson my loving Father in Heaven wants me to learn.
He wants to set us up for success and wants us, His children, to have an abundant life. Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Recently, I heard a pastor say: success=humility+obedience. This confirmed to me that surrendering my life to Christ and making Him Lord and Counselor in every area of my life is the key to success. Serving others in the marketplace with humility is an act of obedience as a disciple of Christ. It is true that pride comes before the fall.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 NIV
Is there pride in your marriage, your career, or your relationship with your family?
Lord, reveal to me where there is pride in my life? Help me to serve others and be humble like You.