Reflections : Crab Mentality
CRAB MENTALITY
CRAB mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, is best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you"
The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs.
Individually, the crabs could easily escape from the pot, but instead, they grab at each other in a useless "king of the Hill" competition which prevents any from escaping and ensures their collective demise.
The analogy in human behavior is sometimes claimed to be that members of a group will attempt to "pull down" (negate or diminish the importance of) any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of envy, conspiracy or competitive feelings.
But as Christians, there is need to examine the closet of our inner man for similitude of this mentality in various context, e.g, at home, place of residence, place of work/business, as worker or regular church member. Such sincere internal interrogation will throw up diverse realities.
What are those things that promote crab mentality?
1. Envy (galatians 5:14-21) " I don't want it, can't stand that you got it"
2. Jealousy -" I wish I had it; don't know why you and not me"
3. Strife - "I will do my best to cause disruption and defame you"
4. Greed - look out only for self at the expense of others.
5. Pride - the over estimation of one's worth and value.
6. Deceitfulness - masquerading with hidden agenda.
7. Emulation - competitive desire to mimic others with wrong motives.
Against that backdrop, the question of how to deal with it arises. Therefore, as an individual, keeping one thought in mind is critical, which is : My life's goal is to HONOR AND PLEASE GOD.
With such mindset, it is easy to de-emphasize self hence effectively quash tendencies of the crab mentality to be replaced by constant God mentality.
philippians 2: 3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out for his own interests, but also the Interest of others.
Bear in mind that the root of the crab mentality is in unsurrendered flesh. 1 John 2: 16 For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father, but is of this world. May our flesh be completely surrendered to Christ in Jesus name.
CRAB mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, is best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you"
The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs.
Individually, the crabs could easily escape from the pot, but instead, they grab at each other in a useless "king of the Hill" competition which prevents any from escaping and ensures their collective demise.
But as Christians, there is need to examine the closet of our inner man for similitude of this mentality in various context, e.g, at home, place of residence, place of work/business, as worker or regular church member. Such sincere internal interrogation will throw up diverse realities.
What are those things that promote crab mentality?
1. Envy (galatians 5:14-21) " I don't want it, can't stand that you got it"
2. Jealousy -" I wish I had it; don't know why you and not me"
3. Strife - "I will do my best to cause disruption and defame you"
4. Greed - look out only for self at the expense of others.
5. Pride - the over estimation of one's worth and value.
6. Deceitfulness - masquerading with hidden agenda.
7. Emulation - competitive desire to mimic others with wrong motives.
Against that backdrop, the question of how to deal with it arises. Therefore, as an individual, keeping one thought in mind is critical, which is : My life's goal is to HONOR AND PLEASE GOD.
With such mindset, it is easy to de-emphasize self hence effectively quash tendencies of the crab mentality to be replaced by constant God mentality.
philippians 2: 3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out for his own interests, but also the Interest of others.
Bear in mind that the root of the crab mentality is in unsurrendered flesh. 1 John 2: 16 For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father, but is of this world. May our flesh be completely surrendered to Christ in Jesus name.
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