Beyond I

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: November 6, 2024

Scripture: "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Devotional Thoughts

Our natural inclination often centers around "I" — our abilities, our successes, our setbacks, and our dreams. This tendency to put ourselves at the center of everything can lead us into a life of constant striving and, eventually, spiritual emptiness. "Beyond I" is a call to look beyond ourselves, to recognize that we are not the main actors in the grand story of life. Instead, we are part of a greater story, one where God takes the lead, and we play a role that aligns with His divine purpose.

A powerful example of someone who lived "beyond I" is Mother Teresa. She chose to look beyond her personal comfort, ambitions, or fears, dedicating her life to serving the poorest of the poor in India. Her life was marked by humility and a deep recognition that she was simply a vessel for God’s love and compassion. She understood that the work she did was not about her, but about God working through her for the benefit of others.

When we fail to go beyond "I," we often fall into the trap of selfishness — always prioritizing our needs, our pain, our desires — and this mindset can lead us into poverty of the spirit. True spiritual richness comes when we shift our focus to God and others, stepping away from the narrow world of "me."

Paul the Apostle also exemplified living beyond "I". After his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul no longer lived for his own plans or status. He let go of his prior ambitions, which were centered around his identity as a Pharisee, and fully surrendered to God’s calling on his life. His new focus became sharing the Gospel, even in the face of hardship, persecution, and imprisonment. Paul’s journey illustrates the freedom that comes from letting go of self and aligning with God’s purpose.

Living "Beyond I" doesn’t mean that our individual lives and experiences don’t matter; they do, but only in the context of God’s greater story. It’s about trusting that our abilities are best used when we surrender them to God, that our failures are stepping stones to growth, and that our successes are not meant to glorify us but to honor God.

Practical Reflections

• Identify Areas of Self-focus: Take a moment to think about areas in your life where you may be focusing too much on yourself. Are there places where you are trying to be in control or seeking recognition?

• Serve Others: One way to move beyond "I" is to intentionally serve others. Look for opportunities to help without expecting anything in return — whether it’s lending a listening ear, volunteering in your community, or praying for someone who’s struggling.

• Release Control: Pray about specific areas where you find it hard to let go of control. Surrender these areas to God and trust that He has a greater plan at work.

• Celebrate Others: Instead of seeking recognition for yourself, practice celebrating the achievements of others. Encourage those around you and lift them up, knowing that each victory in the body of Christ is a victory for us all.

Closing Thoughts

Choosing to live "Beyond I" is a journey of surrender. It’s letting go of our need to control every outcome and realizing that our true purpose is found in God’s story, not our own. When we let go of focusing solely on ourselves, we open our hearts to the fullness of God’s love and the richness of His plan for our lives. We become vessels through which God can bless others, bringing His light and love to the world around us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to live beyond myself. Teach me to let go of my own ambitions, worries, and fears, and to trust in Your greater plan. I ask that You use me as Your vessel to bless others and reflect Your love. Help me to live a life that honors You, putting others before myself, and aligning with Your divine purpose. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.