There is this really popular movie from the 90's called 'The Devils Advocate.' In that movie there is a big shot attorney, played by Keanu Reeves, and his estranged boss & mentor played by Al Pacino (One of my favorite actors btw.) They both worked at this influential Law Firm in New York. Al's character was a powerful man, influential in his own way, and he wanted Keanu to give up who he was (A good moral small town kid from the south) to reach this momentous height in the industry of law-never lose and defend the worlds most powerful people- not so good people at that. Rich pompous men who committed sometimes heinous crimes, but had the financial power and resources to pay whatever amount of dollar they could to beat a case. My pops and I always talked about this one particular scene in the movie where Al is selling this new life/new world to Keanu. While doing that he mentions the great feats they would soon conquer together. Interestingly, he highlighted the potential greatness of Keanu, but it also highlighted a man's EGO. About it he said:
"You sharpen the human appetite to the point where it can split atoms with its desire, you build EGOS the size of cathedrals, fiber-optically connect the world to every eager impulse, grease even the dullest dreams with these dollar-green, gold plated fantasies until every human becomes an aspiring emperor, becomes his own god, and where can you go from there?"
EGO is- 'A person's sense of self esteem or self-importance', this recipe is destined for self destruction. It is filled with selfishness instead of selflessness, and in the movie almost drove Keanu's character into a world of chaos. You see, he was a competitive individual and before leaving for New York, he won 64 straight cases for men, who were similar to the powerful men (with bigger EGOS) he was set to defend in New York. It got to the point that winning was the only thing that mattered to Keanu- as if it was an addiction, even if he knew he was vindicating molesters, criminals, and men who shouldn't be on the streets. Keanu was motivated by the wrong things, and while doing business with his mentor/boss, he saw his EGO lead him straight to Babylon (What New York was called in the movie.) Similar to great men of today, the Ego is a killer. Ego is self loathing, superficial, and would have you thinking your SH*** don't stink. Ego has divided nations, broken up families, kept people out in the cold. Ego has kept loved ones from speaking, wrongfully entitles men, builds strife, sparked racism, created world wars, commits heinous crimes & sent Kyrie to Boston lol! (In my Opinion) and continues to dismantle the God-intended human heart. Nothing good comes from a blown up EGO, and happily I am going to tell you the best truth concerning you and ALL your great accomplishments..
YOU DIDN'T DO IT ALONE, GOD WAS THERE, YOUR FAVOR WAS THERE, THE RIGHT PEOPLE WAS THERE.
It doesn't matter how strong you are, how superior you think you might be, how handsome or beautiful you think you might be, how persuasive you think your words are, how charismatic you are, how high you can jump, how much you earned in commission last quarter, how much money you grossed last year, how fast your Ferrari can go, or how big your closest space is.. The truth is.. Everything you have, Everything you are, Every talent you possess, Guess what!?
IS BY THE GRACE OF GOD
This might be hard to believe for some, I understand.. But think about this, when God molded you and set your character in motion, he also considered your interest, hobbies, talents & gifts. "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.." Jeremiah 1:5 So to boast on the things that aren't by your doing alone is EGOTISTICAL. Sure, be proud of your accomplishments and successes because there will be many, but don't fall into the trap promoted by the enemy. So if we know that EGO is a killer, what about THE EGO KILLER !?
We see this often after a amazing play in a sporting game, while the athletes get interviewed and glorified, something amazing happens. The athlete glorifies God. Displaying humility (A modest or low view of one's own importance), and deflecting all self bloating statements. "Reporter- You rushed for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, Lamar, how did you do it? Athlete-All Glory to God, the night was in my favor, my O-line opened up lanes for me, and the coaches put together a great game plan, it was truly a team effort." Glorifying God, simply, puts a dart in man's craving for Ego. & highlights the unseen things done by God, like getting you in that very moment and giving you legs that run like the wind. My team the Philadelphia Eagles (Birdgang!) had a magical 2018 season in which they won the Super Bowl against the dynasty of a team in the New England Patriots. It became evident that the Eagles were having a magical year, it showed in their interviews, how players represented themselves and their team. It showed in how they carried themselves. & the thing that stood out most about them?! Their faith! & their constant practice of the EGO KILLER. Players noticeably dedicated themselves to something much greater, the greater goal of the team & to God. Players on that team publicly acknowledged their faith in Jesus Christ, and the magic from that team continued to follow. After the Eagles won the 2018 Super Bowl, there is a moment where the post game interviewer asked quite a few "Ego friendly" questions. The way each player responded was amazing (Check out the video above) From Coach Pederson, to Zach Ertz (Who caught the winning touchdown), to Nick Foles (Saint Nick lol) They all humbly practiced the EGO KILLER, and glorified God, their teammates, and fans before themselves. It was no wonder that year was a magical one, It was no wonder that this same team had the 2018 "Man Of The Year" (The leagues most prestigious award) winner in Chris Long. Chris Long donated EVERY game check to the fight for social and community justice. Chris Long has also done great philanthropy work here and abroad with his organization/cause the waterboys.org (check them out) which provides clean water resources in at-risk communities around the world. The 2018 Eagles were a special bunch! with great leaders, being led by a GREAT God, through Christ Jesus!
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;"
Romans 12: 3, 6-7
So.. If your gift is to jump high, run fast, p.r. in sales & marketing, construction, teaching, nursing, directing, acting, making music, or making mofos laugh, whatever it might be, do it with a heart filled with humility and you'll never go wrong. & instead of getting killed by the Ego, use The Ego Killer.
With that being said,
All Glory to God!
William A. Wallace
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