Are you an EGOHOLIC? Yes, you read that right? I did not say alcoholic, or ecologic. E-G-O-H-O-L-I-C! And no, you won’t find it in the dictionary. I just discovered the term yesterday. Actually, I wish I thought of that one myself, because then you might be impressed with how clever I am. Of course, that would demonstrate just how much of an egoholic I am. And since I want you to think well of me (oops, more egoholism at work), I will share my source!I was studying Romans 12:1-8, an absolutely fascinating passage of Scripture. Romans 12:1-2 is the linchpin of Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. It connects all that Paul said in Romans 1-11 with all that he is going to say in Romans 12-16. In short, Paul implores us to live transformed lives in view of the merciful work of God through Jesus.
A big part of this God-initiated revolution is using the gifts he has given us to serve others. This is the focus on 12:3-8. Look at what Paul says:
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them . . . . (Romans 12:3-6 ESV)
Commenting on verse three, Robert H. Mounce writes:
That they were to think of themselves with “sober judgment” (v. 3) suggests how out of touch with reality were their opinions of themselves. Since the metaphor suggests intoxication, one might say they were in danger of becoming “egoholics!”[1]
An egoholic is someone all in love with self: being myself, expressing myself, justifying myself, feeling good about myself, and living for myself! Kate Halverson said, “If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed.”
No matter how much society exalts SELF, God wants us to remember that suit has never been in fashion in the church. Is it time to get some new clothes?
STAY FOCUSED TODAY:If the suit of Self is hanging in your closet, stop and offer this prayer: “God, it’s _________. I am an egoholic! Help me see myself with sober judgment. Help me serve others today!
Mounce, R. H. (2001, c1995). Vol. 27: Romans (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (233). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.