I think the problem lies in thinking, “I am this,” or “I am that.” It is far more useful (in terms of realizing a spiritual life) to say, “I am.” This short-circuits the ego and pre-empts the problem altogether.

Saying, “I am God,” just isn’t very useful. It’s too easily usurped by the ego.

Saying, “I am,” without the “this” or the “that” attached to it makes us feel more alive, or, in spiritual terms, more filled with the Holy Spirit. The more we feel the Spirit of God moving through us, the less we are inclined to say, “I am God.” In fact, in moments like that, saying, “I am God,” sounds silly.

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the overwhelming realization is that “God is.” That’s all. It doesn’t diminish us and it doesn’t obliterate us. Neither does it cause us to think more highly of ourselves. Those ideas simply cease to exist.

The saying, “I must decrease while he must increase,” is a signpost. The ego, however, cannot help but read it as a destination. By saying, “God is,” the “he” and the “I” disappear. This is the ultimate mystical experience.

Language is, by its very nature, objectifying, therefore it cannot help but reinforce the notion of being a separate self. Saying, “God is,” circumvents language. It denies it the opportunity to describe. And in the vacuum of that, a higher perspective rushes in.