Limitation of “I”

“I said…” “It is mine…” “I can do…” “I have to do…”

These phrases are all part of our everyday vernacular. We tend to focus on “I/me/self” over anyone else. We’ll over exaggerate our part and what we have to do, and (possibly?) inadvertently discredit the work of others which elevates our own self in the eyes of others and causes ill feelings and attitudes toward those we may be in relationship with.

If we are truly doing everything we say, or think we are, that’s one thing. But I have observed our own notion of what we accomplish, or “have to do”, isn’t nearly as big or busy as we may think. Part of this comes from, I think, the notion we have to appear busy so we maintain credibility with others.

However our intentions may be, there does seem to be a need to shift our vocabulary. Instead of “I”, we should remember that we are actually part of a community, a group of other people, and should be saying “We” more often.

“We” is actually a more empowering word to use. Why? Because “we” are not as strong, as smart, as funny, as accomplished, as we are when we are connected with other people. Simply stating “I” all the time leaves the impression life is all about you and what you can do. That’s not how we are supposed to live. We are supposed to live in community.

There are people, most likely, thinking they have risen to their position in life on “their own merits” and “nobody helped them.” In fact, our entire American society seems to be focused on the “I” and individuality. Because of this, we have lost what it means to live collectively.

Every single one of us is who we are because of other people. There is no such thing as a “self-made person.” We have all had people guide, mentor, help make connections, etc., for us to achieve what we have achieved. We are always looking to connect and network with people. But, when we get rushed or when we get too focused on our own tasks, we can easily “forget” to ask for help. What this does is give people the chance to feel sorry for us because of all we have to get done. We can make it seem like no one is there to help. But is this true?

This is why we should take the focus off of “I” and place it back on the “We.” It’s not really about what you and I can accomplish on our own. In fact, we miss out on the opportunity for others to help, get recognition, or to strengthen their own gifts if we do not include them in what we say.

We can easily become so narrow minded and focused that we miss opportunities to let others see how we can live in community, and that’s the only way we can be successful.

There are many limitations we place on ourselves when we focus on “I.”

One of the biggest limitations is that we end up taking God out of the equation. Face it. You and I would not be here, or who we are, if God had not created us. We have been given the greatest gift, the gift of life, and we forget the One who created, who empowers, who gifted, who is with us always. Forgetting God ultimately puts us as the god(s) of our own life and we will miss the bullseye of who we were meant to be.

This post barely skims the surface of how limiting the over use of “I” is. So now, I invite you to pay attention to your words. What do you say most often? What/Who do you think about the most? How to others feel about those who “should be there to help?” Where do you see God in your everyday life?

My hope is that “we” begin to shift the focus so we can become a closer community, all working together to build each other up and to see the working of God in and through each one of us, especially as a community.