We’ve all heard it, read it, said it.  The phrase “it’s not about me” has become as popular as the “what would Jesus do (WWJD)” motto several years ago.  Both phrases are true.

Yet, in authentic American style, as these phrases are popularized and come into vogue, they are slapped on bumper stickers, t-shirts, bracelets and shoelaces.   And the power of the truth behind the phrase gradually diminishes to a level  in our thoughts where commonplace things – like filling up the gas tank – reside.

Similar to any news item that is “hot” in the first moments of reporting, time reduces the impact of its relevance.  Haiti.  Hurricane Katrina.  The tsunami that killed 200,000 just a few years ago.  Who, other than perhaps a teacher or historian, is thinking about these events today?  Who gets excited about that anymore?

Breaking news is fresh and new, and it engages us.  However, give it a week or two, and let’s face it.  For most who weren’t directly affected by the event, interest level has sunk, like the reservoir, below the water table.

This can be what happens when we encounter a truth.  We respond, “Wow, it’s not about me. Who came up with that?”

When we first hear it, it packs a punch.  So, to credit Rick Warren and his best-selling book “Purpose Driven Life” with this phrase is appropriate.  Churches all over the country were jumping into the program he set up around his books.  He had a terrific, very American, marketing idea…packaging old, timeless truth in culturally-relevant, fresh, and modern ways – and The Purpose Driven Life took off like wildfire.

Then, Max Lucado, a celebrated religious author, wrote a book called It’s Not About Me.

But now, I think, “it’s not about me” is losing its zip.  Partly because it’s been used too often or too glibly.

And, partly, because we all intrinsically know that “it’s not about me” is really  just a catchy phrase.  Nothing more.  Who is kidding who? No one could be serious about “it’s not about me”.  I may say the words, because they make me sound spiritual, but it is about me, after all, because

“life is about me” is hard-wired into my brains.  It’s in my DNA.  It is who I am as a human being.

We are born with this self-seeking bent, and although it morphs and changes shapes throughout the phases of our lives, it never really leaves.  The “me-centeredness” varies greatly in intensity and degree, but never to the point where it is not about me.

It’s true that everything is not my choice. I didn’t choose the family or circumstances I was born into, or my personality, skills or abilities.

But when I didn’t have a choice and grumble about it, it supports the theory that life is still definitely about me.  It’s about my unique joy and pleasure – it’s about my specific pain.  It’s about my life, my traditions, the color of my skin, my preferences, my choices, my health, my church, my family, my friends, my bank account, my home, my opinions, my………….

I have heard it said that marriage – and then having kids – makes people give up their selfishness.  While this may be true, does anyone look for a spouse who doesn’t please me?  And when I have children, I want them to please me.  And hope that they grow up to make me proud.

Even the most noble-sounding pursuits can really be about me.  I go to Africa to help starving children because I want a fulfilling life.  Or even because I want to glorify God.  Starting point being, or course, me.

I realize that this posts sounds pessimistic so far.  But actually, I don’t have any real problem with the “it’s about me” mentality I live with.  I’ve made peace with it, a tenuous peace.  There is little out in the real world to counteract one’s basic nature to be self-centered, so on the positive side…it’s an insulated, safe world…and it’s what I’m used to.  I am a product of being human in this world and it’s really all that I am familiar with.  And…I was created to be this way.

Or was I?  I meet Jesus, and I think He may have a problem with my me-centered universe.  He tells His disciples,

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”  Matthew 16:25

Jesus introduces a different, radical thought that slams into my me-centered bent. But… doesn’t He know the ways that I think?  That “normal” people think?  Why would he say this?

Because, Jesus can see the end result of a world that revolves around me. He tells the truth. It’s not the way to go. Self-seeking is really the heart of sin, and that is the polar opposite of God’s truth.

Instead of loving our lives, we are told to hate our lives.  Give up our lives.  What could be more challenging?

I wonder what it would look like if, for one day, I directed my energy against my automatic responses to the “me” mentality that continually calls out from every direction. Actually limited, instead of maximized, my choices.  Refused to compare ten brands against each other before I made a purchase.  Intentionally went against my preferences.  Gave up coffee, not because it’s bad for me, but because I like it.  Ignored the comfortable couch and sat on the floor.  Loved the person I not only have nothing in common with but who is also mean.

Radically went out of my way to help someone, even though my blackberry told me I was late for an important appointment.  Gave away my blackberry.

Yikes.  Nice concept in general, but must it get quite that specific? I think so.  Do you agree?  To combat the me-centered disease, the prescription needs to be extra strong.

Instead of comfortably indulging our senses – moving against them.  Peter urges us^, “as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. ” (I Pet. 2:11) In other words, to re-write our typical about me stories with “it’s not about me” is just about as simple as declaring war on Afghanistan.

This is what it takes but can it be done?  Jesus modeled it.  He gave up the very essence of who He was – perfect – God. For some reason, I’m guessing this may not have been his “preference”.  It didn’t fit his “personality type.”  And certainly didn’t offer him the “good life.”

Countless men and women have followed in his steps and led uncomfortable lives for sake of the kingdom of God.

The question is, can you do it?  Can I do it?  It is, after all, about me.