The Me-Monster (rr)

Me, myself, and I.  Me.. me.. me. , What about me? , What's in it for ME?

A while back I heard a sermon where the pastor  described the Me-Monster.  I have to admit I don't recall much of the sermon, but I remember it was good AND it impressed on my cartoonist brain to sketch in my sermon notes The Me-Monster. 

So I brought Mr. Me-Monster home scanned him into my computer and did a little Photoshop extreme makeover on him all so I could share his surly mugshot with you.  Without further delay Ilet me present.. The Me-Monster.  Ta-da!

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The Me-Monster is an ugly fella, and even his open mouth resembles an M, and the back of his throat an E.  The disturbing thing about this Me-Monster is that when our motives, focus, and actions are focused on .. SELF.. any of us can become a pretty gnarly looking creature too.

There are plenty of attention seeking folk out there that flaunt there success and perceived self-worth without a speck of humility.  They live in a world where success is measured by the car they drive, the neighborhood they live in and that lovely lake home up north.  Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with any of these things unless it inspires a me-centered ego trip.

Now on the other hand I have more of an econo-sized Me-Monster.  My monster is does not get identity from a high profile existence, but did show up recently as I became unemployed. 

What do I do now?  What will my friends think of me?  What do my wife, and my adult children think of me?  

Of course it is important to learn from life's pitfalls, circumstances, and/or blunders.. And it is ok to hurt when bad 'stuff' happens. These are opportunities to move do my best, learn and move forward.

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I will confess in the past I have wallowed pretty low during difficult times. I struggle with anxiety and depression from time to time (which I am pretty sure neither are NOT listed in the 'fruit of God's spirit). 

Panic and Despair have in the past injured my self-esteem and worth and all fed my Econo-Me-Monster .

I share this because my wife told me recently how proud she is of how I am handling  my current unemployed state.  She can see I am sad, but not going to a low place, and that I am seeking God during this time.  I must confess those where precious words of affirmation to ME from the woman I love,

I could ramble on about ME as I am prone to do, but wanted to conclude with again God's two greatest commandments. 'Love God with all your soul and mind and others as yourself.' Mt 22:37.   

​What if I focused my life on these words of Jesus?  Then all the details and trimmings of this life while nice would be trivia to a life well lived... and no Me-Monster.

So I pray for God's Holy Spirit to lead me, and for me to trust His direction so that I can SERVE Him and others. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and finally in all things to God be the glory!

May God bless and use each of you in ways that are beyond your dreams. May our lives be about God's Kingdom and not ours.  And may you be Me-Monster free.

​Jeff

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