There’s a hilarious bit on Alex Calleja’s latest Netflix stand-up comedy show (Past is Past) where he explains how all of us are the “main characters” of our own stories. Meaning, I’m the main character in my own imagined life narrative, you’re the main character in yours, and all others are their own main characters in theirs as well.

It’s really funny. But then, I realize: This is the reason why nothing makes sense in this world. Laging may disconnect. Laging walang sense. Bakit kamo? Sa isip ko, ako ang bida. Pero sa isip ng ibang tao, sila rin ang bida. Actually, malamang kontra-bida ako sa pelikula nila, at ganon din sila sa akin. According to our self-centered illusion, we are the superstar…the VIP…the celebrity. Yes, based on our delusion, the world revolves around us.

Human pride—even if we deny it—dictates that we’re the main character in our fairy tale. This easily explains why we refuse to give an inch to the next car. Why we are unwilling to be magnanimous when it comes to parking slots. Why we find it hard to admit our fault in a traffic incident. And yes, why we constantly lie just to make ourselves look good—truth be damned. Dapat tayo palagi ang hero.

Kaya magulo ang mundo. Imagine every single person insisting to be the bida—indeed, imagine eight billion (the world population right now) movies playing in our heads—and what do we get? Supreme chaos.

In truth, there should only be one movie, with only the one and true God as the main character

In truth, there should only be one movie, with only the one and true God as the main character. No one else. All of us are just bit players—extras acting out cameo roles. Never tayong naging star. Ilusyon lang natin yon. How exactly insignificant are we?

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)

I’ve seen men (including me, obviously) and women having the time of their lives with successful careers, only to soon be ushered by physical and mental decline into retirement. It’s a sad spectacle, and no one can escape it.

There was a time in my life when I actually believed that I was the main character in the whole universe. Until God made me understand that I was nothing without Him. I was really just a sinner—nothing but useless, worthless rubbish. The sooner I accepted this truth, the better it was for me and everyone around me.

May you meet, know and submit your self to the only main character worth watching and applauding.

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)