Me-ism Often Makes Me Angry With God (ism #4)

Week 4 Theme: "Me-ism" — A Spiritual Condition Where It’s All About Me

In this, the fourth dialogue in our series called “Ism”, Dr. Troy Doucet and Dr. Larry Baucom explore the concept of “Me-ism”, a spiritual state where our relationship with God is filtered through self-interest, personal comfort, and control. The story of Jonah serves as a vivid backdrop, but the real focus is on what Me-ism looks like in our lives today.

Key Characteristics of Me-ism:

Me-ism is displayed when we run from God.
Instead of obedience, we choose avoidance when God's call threatens our agenda.
We resist change or discomfort—even when it means missing out on God’s greater purpose.
Me-ism often makes me angry with God. (it's my pride)
We become more concerned with our own convenience (like Jonah and his vine) than the well-being of others.
Compassion takes a backseat to control.
The antidote to me-ism is a quiet time leading to reflection and surrender.
Me-ism shows up when God’s mercy offends our sense of fairness or when we feel God "let us down."
Pride says, "I did what You asked—why didn’t You do what I expected?"

God’s Response to Me-ism:

God lovingly exposes our selfishness—not to shame us, but to reshape us.
He reminds us that His compassion is not limited to the people we approve of.
His grace extends even to those we’d rather see judged—like Nineveh.

The Antidote to Me-ism:

Quiet Time + Reflection = Surrender
Jonah’s moment of clarity came in the belly of the fish—in a place of darkness and desperation.
God often uses difficult circumstances to peel back our pride and realign our hearts.
Compassion Over Control
We begin to look like Jesus—not Jonah—when we lead with love, not entitlement.
Jesus didn’t run from the people who rejected Him—He wept for them.

A Final Reflection:

Me-ism makes us spiritual janitors—cleaning up the same messes over and over instead of addressing the source of the mess: our self-centered hearts.
Jesus offers not just outward change, but a heart change.

Closing Thought:

We all wrestle with Me-ism, but we don’t have to stay there.

Be less like Jonah: defensive, angry, and self-absorbed.
Be more like Jesus: open-hearted, surrendered, and full of grace.

God’s love isn’t just for a select few—it’s for everyone.
And when we lay down Me-ism, we get to be part of something much bigger than ourselves.

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