As a Christian, you’re called to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:7) and to walk in confidence (2 Timothy 1:7). But sadly, when some people hear you say, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13), they often won’t like it. They’ll think you’re being arrogant and on an ego trip. But there is a big difference between ego and faith. Let’s look at three differences today.
Ego Is Counterfeit Faith
Ego is the cheap imitation of faith. It is confidence in yourself as a person. Read what God thinks of that kind of confidence in Proverbs 8:13: “All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.”
Ego Pleases Man; Faith Pleases God
Confidence in The WORD of God is faith, and it is the only way to please God. Just look at what the author of Hebrews wrote in chapter 11, verse 6: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
Ego Relies on Man’s Knowledge, Faith Taps Into God’s Wisdom
Man’s knowledge is limited and always changing. Only God’s wisdom remains unchanged. First Corinthians 3:19 puts it this way: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” And Proverbs 3:7-8 instructs, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.”
Carnal ego trips are not the same as godly faith. If you want to ensure that you develop in faith, as opposed to ego, begin to saturate yourself with The WORD of God. Read it, meditate on it and speak it. As you continue to rely on The WORD, you won’t develop ego. You’ll develop a steadfast faith that will help you accomplish all God has called you to do!