by Melissa Myers

My 19-month-old granddaughter learned to say “PopPop” very early on with ease. Audibly addressing Granny “MiMi” however, has been an ongoing process. In teaching her to acknowledge me by name, I would point to myself and say “MiMi”. I did not anticipate her emulating the gesture as well as the words. She will point to herself and repeat “Me, Me”. As she’s absorbing her world, she understands the meaning of “me” and it’s the center of everything. It only confuses her to redirect her finger point to my person instead of hers.

It’s an adorable stage of development – at least to her grandparents who aren’t required to correct or discipline. She wants what she wants and will squeal, cry, or tantrum at times to get it. She doesn’t want playtime or attention to end; it is all about “me”.

We are born with an imprint of sin and a selfish flesh. We learn and develop empathy, compassion, and selflessness, yet we can never fully overcome the “me” until we’re called to our eternal home. I see my infantile self wanting its way so often. Even in simple things like where we park the car at church, I want it my way. I believe that’s why there are so many scriptures about dying to self and overcoming the flesh; our nature is profoundly self-centered.

Thankfully we have a Savior that gave His own life as recompense for our selfish ways. We might throw the occasional tantrum or demand our own way, but we have the opportunity to repent and receive forgiveness. Our granddaughter’s tantrums are anticipated and quickly forgotten. So it is with our heavenly Father; He forgives and forgets because he knows where we are in our stage of development. There are consequences and discipline, but in His love, we never face the full penance that we may deserve. 

Is there an area where you require things to be your way? What will it mean to those around you if you surrender that need?

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)

Father God, I surrender my need to have my own way and seek to selflessly serve those that You have put into my world to love through your gracious Holy Spirit.