10 QUESTIONS TO CHECK YOUR EGO LEVEL

Generally, ego refers to an inflated sense of self-importance. The outward manifestation of this is usually an excessive preoccupation with the “self”. The opposite of ego is humility, and throughout the Bible, there are references to living a humble life:

... all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." (1 Peter 5:5)

But, how do you know you are egotistical? The truth is that ego is a blind spot for most of us. However, answering a few questions can help you detect whether you are egotistical or not. I've compiled 10 of those questions to help you in this exercise. Let's go:

1. Do you come across as a know-it-all person at meetings and discussions?
2. Do you sometimes dismiss other's ideas as inferior to yours?
3. Do you often think the rules don't apply to you?
4. Are you close-minded on issues, and rigid in your approach?
5. Are you fond of blaming others when things go wrong?
6. Are you in touch with reality, and/or abreast with the general thinking of clients, employees, members, etc?
7. In the affairs of life and transactions, are you always thinking about yourself and no one else?
8. Do you think or assume that no one else can do the job as well as you can?
9. Do others around you or who cross your path feel disrespected and put down by your actions and attitude?
10. Do you seek and/or ask for inputs or answers from others?

If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, there is an element of ego in that area of your life. Strive to take the focus off yourself and place it on God and on helping and developing others. When your life is devoid of ego, your language shifts from "I will" to "we will" and "thy will".