A Solution for the ME Syndrome
Have you ever listened attentively to the conversation of an acquaintance and noticed that the conversation gravitated toward the Me Syndrome - I did this, I accomplished that, if it was not for me, or they accomplished this because I initiated that? In other words, the Me Syndrome is an unconscious tendency to take credit for unnecessary things. Essentially, it is a method of making yourself appear more significant than you are. Such is a typical behavior for sinful humans, right? Nevertheless, the most effective way to combat this behavior is to take into account the Sabbath Syndrome.
In the Old Testament (OT), the Sabbath (the last day of the week) was when Israelites devoted themselves to worship God, and nothing else mattered. The keeping of the Sabbath was a sign that God ruled Israel. By working on the Sabbath, they considered it rebelling against God. Therefore, all work except necessity was forbidden on the Sabbath. Yet, throughout the OT, the Israelites failed at practicing the Sabbath Law, leading to consequences from God.
Whether you view the Sabbath as an actual ritual or as a symbolic suggestion, the primary reason why God instituted the Sabbath remains relevant today. It is relevant for New Testament (NT) believers because it aids in developing priorities. When your priorities align with the Kingdom's priorities, you can reach what I consider the Sabbath Syndrome.
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
(Hebrews 4:4 KJV)
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
(Hebrews 4:9-11 KJV)
The above Scriptures illuminate the future for NT believers. First, NT believers perform Kingdom work prior to entering their final rest with God. This Kingdom work leads to a mindset that is the Sabbath Syndrome. Four factors enable the Sabbath Syndrome: 1) observe the Sabbath as a time to rest from your daily routines, which includes resting from anxieties of daily routine; 2) use the Sabbath as a time of reflection on God's goodness and blessings; 3) apply the Sabbath to engage in self-evaluation of priorities that resemble Godliness, and 4) practice the Sabbath as a collective time for worship. In other words, the Sabbath Syndrome is the determining factor to demonstrate our submission to His Lordship. Therefore, NT believers view the Sabbath as a reminder that God is in control, and He is the one who sets our limitations in life. By exercising the Sabbath Syndrome, the NT believers focus on God rather than their ambitions, which allows them to possess the spirit of humbleness and servitude.
When NT believers practice the Sabbath Syndrome, it will advance the Kingdom of God. Otherwise, any advancement of a different agenda has no value whatsoever. So, when you fall into the Me Syndrome, think about the Sabbath Syndrome. Return your focus toward God's priorities while remembering that the Sabbath Syndrome occurs every day, every week, and every year of your life.
