Personal Pronouns: I, Me, My & Mine

I can of Myself do nothing.

John 5:30 (NKJV)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

James 3:13-15 (NKJV)

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

Mark 8:36 (NKJV)

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

Matthew 23:25 (NKJV)

Most of us like to talk about ourselves. Our mouths are filled with 'I, me, my, and mine' Our hands reach out and our feet walk forward… to the beat of GIMME, GIMME, GIMME.

We think we deserve our favorite things, our favorite foods, and a pleasant life. We want our rewards, and we want them NOW.

Generational nicknames have evolved from Baby Boomers (me and seniors) to… Generations X, Y, Z, and Alpha.

But in regards to Generation Z, one author, Dr. Jean M. Twenge, calls it… Generation Me!

Her book's tagline reads:

'Why today's young Americans are more confident, assertive, entitled--and more miserable than ever before.' She co-authored another book called 'The Narcissism Epidemic.'

It's common now for us to hear words like... ‘I’m planning the good life that I deserve. I want to be the best ‘me’ I can be. How will this job, choice, or relationship benefit me and the people I love?’'

Consider this Bible comparison:

  • In the NKJ Version of Matthew… are 173 ‘I’s.

  • 135 ‘I’s are said by its Authors: The Father and The Son.

  • Matthew, the human author/transcriber, never hazards to say even one 'I'.

  • Only two disciples use the word 'I': Peter x 6 during his denial of Christ,

  • Also, Judas, the betrayer of Christ, said 'I, I, I, I…’' (He was self-focused, but NOT God-focused.)

Among modern Christians, even the best (and surely the worst) are sorely tempted toward a harmful fascination with… I, ME, MY, and MINE!

Personal Pronouns: I, Me, My & Mine (Part 1)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey ArbanComment