Mother Monster : All of Self and Less of Thee

Mother Monster. Lady Gaga refers to herself with this name at the beginning of her latest hit single: Born This Way. (Yes, this link doesn't go directly to her music video, two reasons: 1. I like these Youtube fellows, they make good covers, and 2. You can Youtube her actual music video for youself - be warned, it's one of a kind) And by one of a kind - I mean - a very freaky intro, Lady Gaga riding a unicorn at one point, and a mildly disturbing message.

I am all about loving yourself. Please, let's love you and me and everyone. We are all different and unique and all that exciting whatnot that makes us lovely humans who we are. One stanza in partular bothers me: "I was born this way, God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track, Baby, I was born this way!"

Anyone else not totally comfortable with this one? Ponder with me how many millions of younger adolescents are seeing this video and thinking: I am who I am because I'm born this way. And, however that may be, it's an excellent way to be.

Long gone are the days of self-improvement. Of wanting to be a better or different person. Of striving for more than self-gratification.

While I enjoy a good random dance party to pop music as much as the next kid, I can't help but notice what the industry is telling us.

How about Mike Posner's chorus in Cooler than me?

I used up all of my tricks, I hope that you like this But you probably won't, you think you're cooler than me

Or Ke$sha's We R who we R?

You know We're superstars We R who we R!

Imagine a world where we are all so completely self-absorbed in who we are and how great it is to be me that that becomes our focus. Scary, eh?

How much better off could we be if we gave glory to God for who we are and move on? Because I am born this way, I am not perfect. Saying "I am born this way" begins to glorify me, and allow me to be lazy because this is just who I am - I was born this way.

As people, do we need a society built on exaultation of self?

Personally, I'd rather not live such a shallow existence. As Christians, what does this tell the world? I'm reminded of the old hymn that humbly ends: none of self and all of Thee.