It’s said that a once wise man from an Eastern tradition was asked how to achieve happiness. The one asking stated, “I want happiness,” to which the wise man replied, “First remove “I,” that’s ego. Then remove “want,” that’s desire. Now you are left with only happiness.”
The tale, true or not, has validity as it relates to spiritual walking with God and simplifying life by wanting less and being more. Replace the word happiness with simplicity (maybe the two are synonymous…you decide) and follow suit: If, “I want simplicity” in my life, then “I” must go and my striving for it (desire) must go also. What’s left is simple: simplicity.
Ego is More Than Just Consciousness or Personal Identity
It is short for egotistical or egocentrism; regarding the self or the individual as the center of all things without the ability to see situations from another person’s point of view. In its harshest form, ego represents selfish, arrogant, vanity, pride, conceit, all things that result from missing the mark.
Jesus knew the human heart condition was inherently prideful. He denied the ego mind in himself and loved his enemies, his neighbors as himself and gave more than he was asked for. The Golden Rule, referenced in Matthew 7:12 reads that Jesus said, “So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Jesus flips the scripted, and the heart, to set a new standard for gauging moral action in its righteous and simplest form. Take away “I want” and give that which is wanted to others as if it were you and it will return back to you. Do you want to be shown respect? Then respect others. Give what you want to receive. Jesus’ statement is a positive command to show love proactively. This type of thinking was and still is radically different, going from a focus of lack to a focus of abundance: “What do I not have that I want?” to “What do I have that I can give?”
The ego mind “wants” because it lacks. The Christ mind gives because it’s infinite, eternal and completely whole, lacking nothing. Ego wants recognition for it knows it’s nothing. The Christ mind needs nothing, for in humility it knows it has more than it needs.
Simplicity is the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ is not capable of being decomposed into anything more or ultimate by any means. Simplicity is living humbly. It is not luxurious, cares not for anything more than is necessary and is unaffected by worldly/outside influences. Simplicity is not blended with something else. Jesus was not double-minded, lukewarm or tainted with selfishness. Jesus lived a simple life, speaking straightforwardly and plainly.
“God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Whoever boasts in their ego, being deceived, inflates themselves above others just as Lucifer before the fall. “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Ego needs nobody but itself. Humility wants nothing but God.
Simplicity is a Focus and Dependency on Loving Others as Yourself
To simplify your life, simplify yourself. To simplify yourself look to remove pride within. Focus on being humble, being simple, straightforward, giving, and non-attached to possessions. Rebuke the ego. Take the form of a servant, making yourself nothing (Philippians 2:27). The outward reality will reflect the simplicity within.
Stop seeking what you can take and look for opportunities to give what you have. To desire less is to simplify. To simplify is to chisel away false desires, possessions, and idols to make room for the truth of who you really are to expand in its abundance.
Own nothing but the value of who you are in God. What you own ends up owning you if the ego mind disconnects you from the truth. Simplify. Do less and be more. Simplify. Sit with what is and resist the urge to reach for more. Find what you have inside of you and being given what you want a way so that others may enjoy it. When they enjoy it you enjoy it. When you give it away you will have it.
“I am a human being, not a human doing. Don’t equate your self-worth with how well you do things in life. You aren’t what you do. If you are what you do, then when you don’t…you aren’t.” – Wayne Dyer
If you struggle with greed and/or ego and want to learn how to live a simpler life, we can help. Contact Crosswinds today to learn how a trained counselor to work with you to build a better relationship with Christ without the distractions of desires and ego.