Where There Is Ego

A week ago I was privileged to go hear entertainer, Merrill Osmond, speak at a fireside. His main topic was the Refiner's Fire and the power it holds in the lives of the children of God. Truly, this man, next to my husband, is one of the sweetest, most righteous men I have ever come across. I was so grateful that he let me know he was speaking that night. One particular thing he said really struck home with me: "Where there is ego, you will never find the Lord."

He said these words and the room stilled for me. Indeed, the hallmark of the Lord's cry for each of us is humility. So where does confidence become arrogance and humility become pride? The Merriam Webster dictionary defines confidence as:

• 1 a: a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances b: faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way
• 2: the quality or state of being certain : certitude
• 3 a: a relation of trust or intimacy b: reliance on another's discretion c: support especially in a legislative body
• 4: a communication made in confidence : secret
  

The definition itself clearly delineates between confidence, which is alright with the Lord, and arrogance which is not. The lesson the Lord has tried to teach us over and over to not rely on the arm of the flesh (see D&C 1:19), but turn to Him and trust that He will never let us down.

The definition of the good kind of confidence is: faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way

This is the kind of confidence the Lord needs us to have. Ego is when we believe we can do everything without help from anyone, even God. This is one of Satan's greatest deceptions and, to my great sorrow, one of my greatest failings.

I work hard to hone my skills and talents, but I'm afraid there comes a point where I say, "Yeah, I can do this. No sweat." Really, there's a sweat. I promise. But I think it behooves all of us to remember all of our gifts and talents come from our Father in Heaven. We were given what we needed in order to accomplish the things He sent us here to do.

And so it brings us back to, where there is ego you will never find the Lord. So my ego is going straight out the window. Every day, morning and night at a minimum, I shall remember to thank my Father in Heaven for the countless blessings showered upon us. For the gifts and talents He granted me I will express my gratitude and ask for continual guidance. I will remember that I am here in this life at the behest and blessings of a loving and eternal God. I have one overriding job . . . to bring as many of the sons and daughters of God back with me as I possibly can.

To this end I stand as a witness of Jesus Christ in all things, in all places and in all times. When asked, if it is within my power, I speak at all firesides, youth conferences, womens conferences and more, sharing the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation which He came to fulfill. For where I am, I am determined to find the Lord.