Me Box

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I have been spending WAY too much time in my “me box” lately. The best way for me to define my “me box” is that life is all about me. The sun rises and sets on me and my disappointments, despair, frustrations, fears, anxieties, worries and lack of control. My “me box” focuses on my hurts, my needs, my wants, my desires, my problems.

What I hate the most about my “me box” is that I have no choice but to reek like its contents. When I was younger, I did not care how dirty my clothes were. I would wear my jeans for weeks at a time without washing them (praise God for curing me of this nastiness!). When I spend time in my “me box” I literally put on clothing that reek of irritation, anger, frustration, impatience, discord, disgust. The last thing I seek when I am spending time in my “me box” is putting on peace and unity. When I am asked, “how are you?” or “what’s new with you?” my “me box” dominates conversation. My “me box” truly kills joy and contentment. It produces spiritual depression rather than spiritual fruit. Instead of being a fragrant and pleasing aroma to God, I smell like the world which is perishing (2 Cor 2:15).

I absolutely know that the cure to my “me box” is to get outside of myself. I need to look around and help others. I know that I must decrease and our Triune God must increase (John 3:30). I also know that I need to change my clothes. Paul says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Col 3:12-15 ESV).

I cannot help but to view the clothing that Paul tells us to put on in Colossians 3 as undergarments that the Armor of God protects (Eph 6:10-18). I am so thankful that God through His Word and His people convicts me of my “me box.” I am thankful that God has preserved His Word so that His people know how to dress (character) and act (conduct) for His glory. As we give gifts and presents to our loved ones this Advent, may we give our “me boxes” to God in humility and surrender to Him.

Father God, thank You for this reader. Thank You Lord for convicting me of my “me box.” Lord, Your Word tells us that we can come boldly before Your throne and find grace, mercy and help when we need it most. Lord, help us to run to You rather than retreating to our “me boxes.” Lord, make us sensitive to when we start spending time in the “me box.” Lord, in regards to boxes, may we NEVER put You in a box. May we NEVER limit who You are and what You can and will do. Thank You Lord that YOU are God! Please prepare our hearts for Christmas. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Blue Collar Theologian

My name is Mandy Sweigart-Quinn, I live in Lancaster, PA and I am a “Blue Collar Theologian.” I love Jesus! I am passionate about His Word (The Holy Bible)! I come alive when I can encourage others in their walk with Jesus (whether by writing or speaking). As a “Blue Collar Theologian” it is my aim to live/practice/work out my Christian hope with sincerity, authenticity and genuineness. As a “Blue Collar Theologian,” I strive to meet people right where they are (“Incarnational Theology”). I graduated in May 2019 from Capital Seminary and Graduate School with a Master's in Biblical Studies. I am a passionate, excited and enthusiastic person! I love flowers, sports and sunsets. Since January 2, 2018 I have had the privilege of being married to Nathan.

26 thoughts on “Me Box”

  5. As I read you, Mandy, I thought of how we got Messiah. Talking about getting out of the “Me Box”, I think our standard, or our example is the manger scene. What a “class” jump for Him. Love reading you. God’s grip this Christmas. – Alan

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    1. Hi, Alan! Thank you for the encouragement! I pray with ALL my heart that we NEVER forget or take for granted that only in Jesus can sinful man see God’s face and live. The gift of salvation began with the Incarnation and what a “class” jump for Him. Praising God for you! Love, hugs and blessings as you dig into God’s Word! Mandy

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      1. I am ready for Christmas! To answer your question on my blog, I’m thinking next year as a resolution of reading at least 5 Bible commentaries and also study up on conflict resolution. What about you?

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  9. Mandy, This was very good! I don’t know any of us who don’t battle with the flesh, i.e. with the “me box,” whether frequently or infrequently. It is a daily battle to say NO to our flesh and YES to God, but daily we must. This is convicting as well as encouraging. I liked the way you presented it. It was very down to earth and practical. I think we can all identify. It encouraged my heart today. So, thank you.

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  10. I absolutely love this metaphor! How true this can be for me, too. Thank goodness the Word always has a way of pulling us out of our box 🙂 God bless, my friend! Thanks for sharing ❤️

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