One of the ways we can try to get control of our lives is by living out of our false self. Even
when we come to the realization that God loves us unconditionally, a false self can
emerge with a kind of spiritual pride that could take over. “I am terrific. I have it
altogether. I can do no wrong.” What was meant to set us free, can be manipulated in
our mind so that we seek control not only of ourselves, but we can try to manipulate
other people and project what is imperfect in ourselves on to them. Spiritual narcissism is
the most insidious of all. In the belief that we are holy, we feel sorry for the people who
“have not arrived.” Was not this the reason that Jesus was so adamant in naming this
fault in the Pharisees of his day?
How do we avoid this spiritual trap of projecting our own spiritual narcissism onto others?
Maybe we can begin by saying to ourselves, “There, but by the grace of God, go I.” It is
God’s grace and gifts that have placed us in the circumstances of our lives that keep us
open for spiritual growth. The more we acknowledge this the more we can only be
grateful, thanking God each day for God’s holiness that somehow comes through in what
we say or do.
- Is it difficult for you to acknowledge that sometimes you are acting out of your
false self? - How do you deal with meeting a narcissistic person?
- What circumstances in your life led to feelings of gratefulness?
O God, help me to be more grateful for the circumstances of my life.