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Egotism is a serious illness

Published: June 4, 2009

Let us decide on the real meaning of egotism before we take off on this discussion. Egotism is a disease that often kills men and women before they know they have it. Some part of the definition of ego reveals to us that it is self as contrasted with the world, and the overly concerned with the self. It goes on to say, it is a person who is self-centered. Our foreparents had a saying, "A person who is self-centered is off-centered."
We do encounter these persons on a daily schedule, and many times it is uncomfortable being around them. You will discover them on the job, in the church and in the community, as well as being in your family. At all times, be on your guard against the sickness and do not let it overtake you. There are some people who we can call Jerks and Squirts because of their actions in relationship with others. Many of these people think that they are fountains of wisdom.
Every now and then we meet someone, like the rooster, who thinks that the sun comes up every morning just to hear him crow. Many clubs, churches and organizations are at a standstill because some where within the ranks are suffering from egotism. Some have it so serious that they think the world would be in an awful mess had they not been born. Any physician will tell you that the mental cases hardest to cure are those in love with themselves to the extent that nobody else matters.
It is also strange to see someone grow up from the rock bottom and become comfortable and blessed in life, then all of a sudden it is a big favor to you if they speak to you. We are taught to "put on humbleness of mind and meekness." Kindness and compassion will carry us through life in a very blessed manner. We hear so much from our pulpits about God being love, but through Proverbs we are told that there are some things He hates, and one of them is a "proud look." The egotist goes around with this proud look all the time.
How do we deal with this sickness in ourselves and in others? When we get any indications of our egotism within us, it is time to get busy in an all-out effort to erase this thing from our lives. This will take some work. We feel that part of this comes from being insecure and unsure of ourselves. It does not pay to get "stuck up." The peacock of today is the feather duster or hat decoration of tomorrow.
When you encounter the ego fever in others, do not let it upset you, and whatever you do, do not try to react in a manner to put that person down. Display love and much compassion toward that individual. If you are an egotist, and you meet another egotist, then we have a sure case of an "I for I," and this will not solve the problem.
Let us work on our personality and seek to improve ourselves in a spiritual manner. Robert G. Lee gives us a guideline for the cure of this sickness.
• Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word or greeting.
• Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile. Why all the extra work?
• Call people by name. The sweetest music to anyone's ears is the sound of his or her own name.
• Be friendly and helpful. If you would have friends, be friendly.
• Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure.
• Be genuinely interested in people. You can like almost everybody if you try.
• Be generous with praise, cautious with criticism.
• Be considerate with the feelings of others. There usually are three sides to a controversy: yours, the other person's and the right one.
• Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.
• Add to this a good sense of humor, a big dose of patience and a dash of humility, and you will be rewarded many-fold. Amen.

W. Flemon McIntosh jr., is the senior columnist for The News Herald.