Seven Questions That Set You Free

How to break ego’s grip and live a Driftless life of legacy, faith, and courage

Ego has a way of entangling itself with our thoughts and pulling us off course. It whispers that we need to prove ourselves, defend ourselves, or control what we can’t control. Truth be told, the only thing that we can control is our responses to what life throws at us.  Left unchecked, ego distracts us from the deeper stirrings of God—our values, our families, our friendships, and ultimately our legacy.

But God created us for something greater. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). One of the simplest ways to live this “full life” is to pause each day and ask ourselves honest questions to determine if the ego is in control or an otherwise free mind is alive and well. When we know what is really happening, we give God space to speak truth to counteract the lies of ego.

Here are seven powerful questions that can open the door to freedom, alignment, and purpose.

1. What does a “life worth giving” mean to me today?

A life worth giving is a life aligned with love. Jesus taught, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

This doesn’t always mean dramatic sacrifice. It can mean giving our time, attention, or encouragement to others. When we ask this question daily, ego loses its grip on selfish ambition, and we discover ways to pour out love that matters most right now.

2. In what area of my life do I feel most aligned with my legacy?

God calls us to think beyond ourselves. “Then Jesus said unto His disciples, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”  (Matthew 16:24)

This inheritance is more than money—it’s values, faith, and wisdom. Identifying the areas where we’re already aligned with our legacy helps us celebrate progress and keep investing where it counts. Ego wants us to focus on short-term wins without the lasting benefit of legacy. Keeping legacy alive day by day keeps us focused on eternal fruit.

3. What is one small step I can take today toward my long-term vision?

Ego often overwhelms us with pressure—telling us we have to do it all, prove it all, or succeed right now. But God’s Word says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10).

Every legacy is built step by step. One conversation. One prayer. One act of faith. Asking this question keeps us moving forward in courage instead of being paralyzed by ego’s demands for instant success.

4. How did I live out my values of legacy, family, or friendship ad a relationship with God today?

Ego tempts us to measure success by comparison, achievement, or recognition. But God measures faithfulness. Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

This question grounds us in daily practice. Did I honor my family? Did I connect with friends? Did I sow into my legacy? Did I speak to God and hear His still small voice?  When we live out our values, even in small ways, we silence ego’s lies and strengthen what really matters most.

5. What part of my legacy am I most excited to leave behind?

Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:14, 16).

This question keeps us looking ahead—not in fear, but in hope. It shifts our mindset from ego’s obsession with the living up to the expectations of others to gain their approval rather than defining and living up to our own expectations of how our lives can shine for generations. Excitement builds when we imagine the fruit God will grow from seeds we plant today.

6. What would I do differently today if I fully believed I already had God’s permission?

Ego often whispers, “You’re not ready. You don’t have what it takes. You need someone else’s approval.” But Scripture answers: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

This question breaks the chains of analysis paralysis and timid hesitation. God has already given you permission to live boldly in Him through the power of the Word of God according to the power at work in you. When we believe that, we act with confidence—not in ego, but in faith.

7. Where in my life can I choose courage over comfort?

Growth never happens in the comfort zone. Ego begs us to play it safe, but Joshua 1:9 declares, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This question invites us to step into new territory, whether in relationships, work, or service. Courage doesn’t mean fear disappears—it means we act in faith anyway.

Living Driftless

Asking these questions daily is like cutting away the vines of ego that try to choke out your true growth. They bring clarity. They anchor you in legacy. They keep your mind free to pursue what God has already placed inside you.

A Driftless life is a life worth living, a life worth giving. It is marked by impact that outlast us, courage that moves us forward, and faith that connects us to the true Vine.

The invitation is simple: pause, ask, and listen. Let God’s Spirit guide your answers. Then take the next faithful step.

Because everything you hope for tomorrow begins with the questions you’re willing to ask today.