Bulletin #100
Being blinded by our ego within Christianity often refers to the challenge of reconciling one’s desires, biases, and self-interests with the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ and our faith. It’s a recognition that our own pride, desires for power, recognition, or material wealth can obstruct our ability to fully embrace the humility, love, and compassion that Christianity espouses.
Ego can manifest in various ways within Christian contexts. For instance, it might lead you to prioritize your own interpretation of scripture over the teachings of Jesus, to seek status or recognition within your own community, or to use religion to justify personal agendas rather than sincerely seeking spiritual growth and connection with God.
Pondering over this concept involves acknowledging our own vulnerabilities to pride and self-centeredness, and striving to cultivate qualities such as humility, selflessness, and genuine love for others. It’s about recognizing that true spiritual growth often requires letting go of our ego-driven desires and aligning ourselves more closely with the values and teachings of Christ. Because, our own personal desires can interfere with our relationship with God and our interactions with others.
Therefore, when reflecting upon our own ego, this encourages us to examine our motivations, attitudes, and behaviors in light of Christian principles such as love, humility, and selflessness. It involves acknowledging our own limitations and weaknesses, as well as our tendency to prioritize our own needs and desires above those of others.
By putting our ego aside, Christians aim to cultivate a deeper sense of empathy, compassion, and service toward others, following the example of Jesus who demonstrated sacrificial love and humility throughout his life. This process involves letting go of the need for validation, recognition, or control, and instead seeking to live in harmony with God’s will and the needs of those around us.
This is a continual process of spiritual growth and transformation, characterized by ongoing self-examination, prayer, and a willingness to surrender our own will to God’s guidance and grace.
Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian