Your Main Character Syndrome is at War with God

There’s a narrative we don’t like to hear, but we desperately need to: life is not about you.

We live in a world that glorifies self every single day. It's in phrases we don't even notice like self-love, self-care, self-made. It's been ingrained in us (I know it was in me) that the best and most secure thing we can do is put ourselves first. But as a believer, what does that do?

Is it justifiable? Would the Bible encourage that?

Short answer: no

Bringing that mindset into our relationship with Christ is a dangerous game because we start making God a supporting character in a life that’s supposed to revolve around Him.

In this blog, I want to explore the war between the main character syndrome and surrendering to God.

What is Main Character Syndrome?

If you haven’t heard of the term before, main character syndrome is the mindset that the world revolves around you. Every decision, every experience, every struggle - EVERYTHING is viewed through the lens of you and your personalgain.

You may be reading this thinking, this isn't me - or - I know someone like this. Girl, let's look internally first.

Because Christian are just as guilty as their unbelieving friends and the problem is Christians use God for their outcome. You want him to bless you, guide you, and show up for you, but only within the plan you have for yourself.

Let's just get this straight: God is not a side character in your life.

Are You Letting God Lead, or Just Expecting Him to Follow?

I get it because I’ve been there.

I’ve made plans and asked God to bless them instead of surrendering and asking what He wants me to do. I’ve been frustrated when life didn’t go the way I wanted it to. I've had prayers go unanswered and I felt like I wasn't getting what I deserved.

But do you want to know one thing looking back that I realised? My relationship with God was lacking and my integrity was lacking as a result. My flesh told me I deserved it, but the Bible told me I didn't.

"But Elodie, God is a loving God. Why wouldn't He want to bless me?"

He wants to bless you, which is exactly why He's not answering prayers that contradict His word and character.

The moment you expect God to fit into your plans instead of surrendering to His, you’ve already lost. Proverbs 16:9 says, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

God is not here to co-sign your vision board. He is not going to be okay with your forging His signature on something He didn't warrant. He is here to lead. And the sooner you realise that, the sooner you can step into what He’s actually called you to. Because I promise, it’s far greater than what you could come up with on your own.

Why Your Desires Are Not the Point

One of the hardest things to accept as a Christian is that your life is not about your personal fulfillment - it’s about glorifying God.

• Your purpose is not to be successful. It’s to be faithful.

• Your calling is not to be admired. It’s to be obedient.

• Your goal is not to be in control. It’s to be surrendered.

We don’t like hearing that. The sermons we watch don't reflect that (or if they do, we turn them off). The people we surround ourselves with often affirm and not convict.

I remember when I first became a Christian and I saw it as some sort of add on to my personal development journey. I thought God + female empowerment was the way to go. And what did that lead to? A relationship with God that was transactional.

My prayer life was filled with what was in it for me and void of how I can serve God. My Bible readings were hand-picked to make me feel warm and motivational feelings, not feelings of God's transformative love and holiness. I quickly realised that my faith was in me, not God and I shouldn't have been surprised when I didn't see God manifesting in and through me.

The gospel was never about self-empowerment - it’s about dying to yourself so that Christ can live through you. Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."

You were never meant to lead, you were made to surrender with freedom and joy.

What Happens When You Let Go of Control?

Surrendering to God doesn’t mean everything suddenly goes your way, it means you finally start walking in His way.

And that means peace. That means clarity. That means knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be, even when it doesn’t look how you expected.

Here’s what happens when you let go of main character syndrome and put God on the throne of your life:

• You stop striving for validation and rest in the fact that God already calls you enough.

• You stop stressing about the future because you trust that He is sovereign over every detail.

• You stop trying to force things to work and finally make space for Him to move.

Signs You’re Still Holding On to Main Character Syndrome

If you’re wondering whether you’ve fallen into this, ask yourself:

• Do I get frustrated when God’s plans don’t align with mine?

• Am I seeking God’s presence, or just His provision?

• Do I trust Him when things don’t make sense, or do I immediately try to fix it myself?

• Is my faith based on what God gives me, or simply who He is?

It’s okay if you see yourself in this. Jesus knew what humans were capable (or not capable) of and still died for them anyway. God is patient, and He is faithful to realign our hearts when we let Him.

Who is Actually on the Throne?

Your life will be ruled by either your own desires or by God’s sovereignty. One leads to anxiety, frustration, disappointment, and striving. The other leads to peace, clarity, joy, and purpose.

So I’ll ask you - who is really on the throne of your life?

Luke 9:23 - "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."