When Characters of “The Office” Invade the ChurchPart 1 – Michael Scott
Fans of NBC’s “The Office” know that Michael Scott is a man who is all about himself. He simply must have the spotlight at all times. Everything that he says and does, in some way or another, is to bring attention to himself. And when others happen to take hold of the spotlight for even a few moments (whether intentionally or otherwise), Michael will go out of his way, often making a royal scene, in order to reclaim what his ego has convinced him belongs to him and him alone! While Michael Scott is a fairly decent guy with good intentions overall, his worst and ugliest demeanor comes shining through when things become less about him and more about others.
Unfortunately, the Michael Scott character isn’t exclusive to a funny television show. The world is full of Michael Scotts, and churches are not exempt from their fair share of the egotistical characters. In fact, Michael Scotts are so common in churches, there’s a good chance you may even be one of the many Michael Scotts in your church. (You can make that call yourself!)
Church members operating under the Michael Scott mentality come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be seen at all levels (from the average lay member to paid staff), but the one thing they all have in common is this: they care more about themselves than anything and anyone else. Sure, they may be decent people in a general sense, but their primary motivation in all that they do is to seek attention for themselves. They must always have the spotlight, and things must always go their way, or else they will feel that their ego has been slighted – and that’s when they go about raising cane and stirring up trouble (in a manner of ways), as they attempt to bring the focus back to where they think it should be: on them and what they want!
The Bible makes it very clear that the Michael Scott mentality is unacceptable for the Christ-follower. Philippians 2:3-5 tells us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
The above passage describes the exact opposite of a Michael Scott type. It declares that “nothing” should be done based on self-promotion. It declares that we should be humble and “consider others better than [we consider ourselves]”. It declares that we should look for ways to promote the “interests of others” instead of always seeking only to promote our own interests. Finally, it declares that our behavior and mentality should be the same as that of our supreme example, Jesus Christ – who (as the passage goes on to explain) “made himself nothing …[and] humbled himself,” ultimately keeping his selfless attitude in full force even up until it led to his “death on a cross.”
If you’re a fan of “The Office,” no problem! If the real Michael Scott makes you laugh, join the crowd! But if you’re a Michael Scott in your church, this is a huge problem which is no laughing matter! Nevertheless, beginning right now, you can go about correcting the situation. (1) Go to God in prayer, and ask him to forgive you for your inflated ego. Furthermore, ask him to help you stay strong in your efforts to follow the example of Christ! (2) Be on the look out, and start catching yourself when your ego inflates and your focus becomes “you” rather than “others”. Then take the initiative to slap yourself down (mentally), as you remind yourself that you are to be “nothing” in order to better serve those around you. (3) Finally, start making a concerted effort to promote the interests of others. While it may be hard at times, because you’ll feel like every bit of who you are wants to promote “you” instead of “others”, you can make it happen with God’s help! Remember 2 Timothy 1:7, which states, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.” In other words, there’s no legitimate excuse for being a Michael Scott in the church; you can no doubt trade the Michael Scott mentality for that of Jesus Christ … if you’re willing!
There are more character-based devotionals (associated with “The Office”) to follow in the days ahead! Your feedback is both welcomed and appreciated!
