catherine marshall, in her book beyond ourselves, illustrates the difference between the egocentric personality and the God-centered personality. it is an eye-opener; a tough self-evaluation. where do you find yourself?
the egocentric personality
- is intent on self glory
- is concerned about other people’s opinions of self; craves admiration and popularity
- is rigid, self-opinionated
- cannot stand criticism
- desires power over others; uses others for his own ends
- wants ease; is self-indulgent
- holds self-preservation of supreme importance
- tries to be self-sufficient; has a practical atheism by which he feels he does not need God’s help
- feels that life owes him certain things
- is oversensitive; feelings easily hurt; nourishes resentments
- springs back slowly, painfully from disappointments
- trust in material possessions for security
- indulges in self-pity when things go wrong
- needs praise and publicity for his good deeds
- is tolerant of, even blind to, his own sins’ appalled at the evil in others
- is self-complacent; craves the peace of mind that relieves him of unwelcome responsibilities
- loves those who love him
the God-centered personality
- has true humility
- is increasingly free from the necessity for the approval or praise of others
- is flexible
- handles criticism objectively; usually benefits from it
- is devoted to the common good
- ease given up when necessary; knows that many comforts precious to the self may have to go
- is aware that you lose your life to find it
- is acutely aware of his need of god in everyday life
- realizes that life owes him nothing; that goodness cannot earn him anything
- readily forgives others
- has capacity to rise above disappointments and use them creatively
- knows that security is in relationship to God, not in things
- has objective resiliency when things go wrong
- works well with others; can take second place
- understands the potential evil in himself and lays it before God; is not shocked at any evil possibly in self or others
- knows that warfare between good and evil will not allow undisturbed peace
- can love the unlovely; has a feeling of oneness in God toward all humanity