Media Egoism

While egoism has its faults (it’s quite outrageous in many ways!), it’s applicability is a huge support.  Our society gives into our megalomaniac tendencies in so many ways, especially through the media and social networking.

A few years ago, when I first started using Facebook, I definitely began thinking about myself more. I even began to think in “status” mode. Every time I did something, my brain would focus on it as an act by ME. Especially when Facebook statuses could only be Your Name is____.

While I still use Twitter, Facebook, and blog, I realize how they tend to push me to focus more on myself rather than others. Who cares whether I mowed the lawn, think a certain child pop star needs help, or the fact that my history final is going to kill me! Yet, I still put such random self centered statements up for the world to comment on. Companies and organization understand that we have egoistic tendencies and take advantage of them to make money (thus acting in egoism themselves). Even the government takes part by not taxing money we give to charity. The society we live in today makes egoism seem more applicable than ever!

Yet, we must strive to not give in! And  as Christians, we can. By the power of His Spirit, we can focus on God first, others second, and ourselves third.

We must be  the thr33. Let’s do it!

World’s Applause

One of my friends posted a quote from Glee the other day. Now, I’ve never watched Glee before (and don’t plan on it either!!), but I identified with the quote.

“I’m like Tinkerbell, I need applause to live!”

At first glance, it seems very self-centered. And it is.  But a close look reveals that it’s the drive of many individuals whether or not they have become the center of their own worlds.

I’m task-oriented. If I’m not doing something or achieving a goal, I have no drive. If I don’t have a position which gives me “value,” I feel like I have none.

My first semester in college was very difficult. Not only did I not have a “purpose” but it also took me awhile to find my “place”.  I had no job, no position, thus, I felt as if I was of no use to anyone. I soon became the “hall mommy” in my search to be of value to others. It later led me to try out to be an RA and not be successful in achieving the position. Later on, I joined Student Senate, or ASB, and soon became a part of that world. I became the yearbook editor, which gave me some purpose of existence. At least until the book was sent to the printers, and I was done for the year. Later on, it was handed out, although it was repeatedly praised, it was also criticized lots as well. In each situation, I wanted to be something so that others would think better of me. Of course, that wasn’t my train of thought at the time, but I believe it was subconsciously my drive.

In high school, I was the “ever-helpful pastors’ daughter”…constantly working for the praise of others’ it seemed. That’s part of why  starting college was hard. I was used to the applause and appreciation of the whole church. College hit, and I had none.

I wonder if that’s why I freak out about the possibility of getting a B in a class. Why do I strive so hard to get something which will make me feel like I’m worth something? Something for others to praise?

It’s not like I’m being Pharisaical. I’m not trying to earn my way to heaven. I do not rely on my achievements to give me a good standing with God, rather I’m addicted to wanting a good standing with others.  That’s most likely why the thought of someone being upset with me can eat me alive.

I’m glad I don’t have to rely on doing well in life for God to accept me. Goodness, all I have to do is believe that what Christ did on the cross to take my place is enough to bridge the gap between my sinfulness and God’s holiness! How amazing is that? He is ever good.

Now, I just have to make His applause my focus. I need to make His glory the aim, and not mine.