In life, often times it is easy to get caught up praising one’s own self-worth and forgetting about those who are given no praise for the passionate work they perform. Ushers and volunteers come to mind of people as those who do important work to ensure that others have a blessed day. They are not preoccupied with their own status, interests or situation. Instead they are driven to ensure that others are cared for.
Of course, we all know individuals who are so engrossed hyping their “own thing” and agenda. They want the whole world to know what they have accomplished. Now there is nothing wrong with achieving wealth, status, trophies, awards or honors. It is how you behave once you have achieved great success that becomes the telling factor.
There is a biblical character who reminds me of people who are self-absorbed in their own “little world.” His biblical name was Haman. He was a Persian government official as mentioned in the book of Esther. He boasted to his friends and his wife about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and elevated him above the other nobles and officials. Haman’s self-centeredness eventually was his undoing. In a selfish rage of jealousy, he attempted to have Mordecai hanged. His self-centeredness caught up with him and cost him his life.
Nobody likes a self-centered person at least most people I know don’t. Self-centered people portray certain character flaws that are similar to narcissistic people, and getting close to such people can hurt your self-esteem. However, recognizing certain character traits of such a person can make you more prepared for dealing with them.
First, self-centered people do not see the world from any perspective other than their own. They would rather see it from their own world to protect their flaws and image with everything they’ve got. The world, from their point of view, is a place comprising them and perhaps a few people around them who they can control. How the world affects other people really doesn’t concern them. They want to dominate in any relationship because they see relationships as a tool for getting what they want and making themselves the center of attention.
Second, self-centered people are so consumed by their own little world and self-image that it is nearly impossible for other people to measure up to their standards. They maintain a superiority complex that leads them to devalue others. They are extremely opinionated and it is always about their opinions. So, my advice today is “Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” And Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
