The self-righteous bully

THIS can happen to anyone of us. Self-righteousness is a

common disease, since all of us have our share of pride and arrogance.

We may not acknowledge it—a more insidious situation to be in, since

pride has a tremendous blinding power—but we can fall into it from

time to time, especially when we make rash judgments, easily jump to

conclusions, stereotype people, making a habit of finding fault at

others, etc.

            What is worse is when it is not only quiet and secretive,

but rather open and loud, and can get even physical, or when it

defines the very character of a person. It is shown in the way he

carries himself, he looks at others, he speaks and reacts to things.

He oozes with over-self-confidence, with a tone of voice that cannot

be other than bossy and strident.

            That’s when we can speak of the self-righteous bully. He

gives the impression that he knows everything, that he is superior to

others, etc. He is usually one who is gifted in some way—physically,

intellectually or, worse, spiritually.

            The source of their problem are the gifts given to them,

which they do not know how to handle properly. Instead of being

humbled by them and always aware that the gifts are meant for God’s

glory and the good of others, they make these endowments a source of

their pride. They are highly opinionated. They like to dominate any

discussion. They want always to have the last word.

            The prototype of this creature were the religious leaders

during Christ’s time. Despite all the signs of the divine and

redemptive character of Christ, they were always suspicious of him,

until finally they managed to put him to death.

            We have to be most careful of this spiritual virus. The

moment we see the slightest signs of its onset on us, we have to react

immediately and strongly, deepening our humility and strengthening our

desire to always glorify God and to be at the service of others.

            We should reflect the attitude of Christ who said that

“the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give

his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt 20,28) We have to learn how to

pass unnoticed even as we are determined in carrying out our tasks and

duties in life.

            The awareness of our gifts or special charisms should also

intensify the awareness of the great responsibility we have to fulfill

because of them. Because of this, we should always feel the need to go

to God, convinced that it can only be with him that we can do things

properly. We should never think we can simply rely on our own powers.

            And then let’s start to figure out how to reach out to

others and serve them the way God wants them served through those

God-given gifts. When see a self-righteous bully, let’s pray for him

and offer sacrifices for him, and do everything to help him discover

his proper place and use his gifts rightly.

            But let’s start with our own selves. Whatever changes we

want in make the world a better place to live in should start with our

own selves!