Let me be real with you—this walk with Jesus isn’t always easy. In fact, it starts with one of the hardest things you’ll ever do: stepping down from the throne of your own heart.

We live in a world that says, “Believe in yourself,” “Follow your heart,” and “You do you.” But the gospel gives us a very different message:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
— Luke 9:23, ESV

That’s not just counter-cultural—it’s counter-intuitive. The human ego doesn’t want to be denied. It wants to be fed, validated, and enthroned.

But here’s the paradox of the Christian life:

The more you cling to yourself, the more you lose. But the moment you surrender to Christ, you find real life.
— (see Luke 9:24)

And this isn’t just spiritual fluff. Dethroning your ego and enthroning Christ isn’t just about going to heaven someday—it affects how you live right here, right now. Spiritually. Relationally. Financially. Emotionally. Vocationally.

Let me walk you through it.

Spiritually: The Heart Can Only Have One King

The Bible says:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
— John 3:30, ESV

John the Baptist understood something we often forget—Jesus doesn’t just want to be part of your life. He wants to reign in your life. And for Him to reign, your ego has to step down.

What it means: The Greek word for “increase” (auxan?) here doesn’t just mean more—it implies expansion, growth, and ascendance. On the flip side, “decrease” (elattoumai) means to make less, to wane like a setting sun.

How it affects us: When Christ increases in your life—His influence, His voice, His will—you begin to reflect Him more. But when you are the one increasing—your pride, your control, your ambition—Christ is crowded out. Remember, we are created to be image-bearers.

Practical result? Prideful hearts are deaf to God’s voice. Humble hearts are home to His presence.

Relationally: Pride Breaks, Humility Builds

How many relationships have been destroyed by pride?

• Marriages where no one wants to say sorry.
• Friendships wrecked by ego.
• Communities split by self-importance.

Proverbs 13:10 says:

“By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.”

Ego is the fuel of conflict.
Humility is the soil where reconciliation grows.

When Christ rules your heart, He teaches you to be quick to forgive, slow to speak, and willing to serve. You start loving people not to boost your image but to build them up.

That’s not weakness—that’s strength under submission.

Economically: Stewardship Begins with Surrender

One of the most misunderstood teachings of Jesus is about wealth.

“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.”
— Matthew 6:24, ESV

Let’s be clear: money isn’t the enemy.
The love of money is.
And guess who’s usually sitting behind that love? Your ego.

Ego wants to impress. Ego loves to compare. Ego refuses to save because it needs to spend. Ego says, “I deserve this” even when the budget says otherwise.

But when Christ is enthroned, your financial decisions become kingdom-minded:

• You tithe without hesitation.
• You save and invest wisely.
• You live below your means—not to deprive yourself, but to honor God.

Proverbs 21:5 comes alive:

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

Surrender isn’t losing—it’s finally living wisely.

Vocationally: It’s Not About Climbing, It’s About Calling

In a world obsessed with hustle and status, Jesus whispers something better:

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12, ESV

When your ego is on the throne, work becomes about title, applause, and control. But when Christ is enthroned, your work becomes an act of worship.

You don’t chase success for self-glory—you pursue excellence because your work is a testimony.

So Why Is This So Hard?

Because ego dies kicking and screaming.
Because surrender feels like defeat.
Because the flesh wants the crown while Jesus calls you to the cross.

But here’s the good news: Jesus never dethrones without replacing.
When you give up your pride, He gives you peace.
When you surrender your control, He gives you clarity.
When you silence your ego, you hear His voice.

This Is the Best Thing You Can Do for Yourself

Let me say it plainly:

• You’ll never find real joy until Christ reigns.
• You’ll never lead others well until you stop leading from your ego.
• You’ll never manage your finances with wisdom until you dethrone your pride.
• You’ll never know your calling until you stop living for applause.

Jesus isn’t trying to ruin your life. He’s trying to rescue it—from you.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
— Galatians 2:20, ESV

That’s not just theology. That’s transformation.

So go ahead. Step off the throne.
Let Christ sit where He belongs.
Your life, your relationships, your work, and even your wallet will never be the same.

Dethrone ego, enthrone Jesus.

And that, my friends, is the best thing you can do for yourself.