Become New with John Ortberg 28. The Myth of "Mine"
Sep 15, 2021
A reflection on how the word "mine" shapes entitlement and pride. Readings from C.S. Lewis spotlight claims of ownership over time, bodies, and even God. Listeners are invited to trade possessiveness for gratitude and to view life’s moments as gifts. The tone mixes sly satire with serious spiritual reflection.
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Ownership Breeds Constant Resentment
- The word mine creates entitlement that makes people feel injured rather than merely experiencing misfortune.
- C.S. Lewis (via John Ortberg) argues that treating time as personally owned turns small interruptions into recurrent anger and self-preoccupation.
Time Is A Gift Not A Birthright
- Time is entirely a gift and not a personal birthright, so assuming 'my time' is a profound falsehood.
- Screwtape warns that preserving the unexamined assumption 'my time is my own' keeps people from seeing time as given service.
Practice Seeing Everything As Gift
- Don't let thoughts examine the sense of ownership; keep it wrapped in darkness so it operates uninspected.
- John Ortberg encourages living as if possessions are gifts and practicing generosity instead of claiming 'mine'.
