The One-Up Disease

The One-Up Disease, though lacking true diagnostic criteria approved by a board of highly educated individuals, is one that is running rampant through society.  Symptoms include bragging, name dropping, swelling heads, and of course, one-upping all your friends and family.  One-upping is prevalent in social and economic situations; for example, a friend buys a new computer, someone suffering from the One-Up Disease will immediately go out and buy a better computer and then flash it in front of the friend.  Or the One-Upper has an opportunity someone he or she knows would really enjoy, and decides to flaunt it.

The causes of One-Up Disease are numerous but include low self-esteem, poor self-image, pride issues, and most notably, lack of understanding of identity in God.  By placing trust in strokes from others and positive feedback, one-uppers find satisfaction and meaning in feeling they are better than others.

While treatment for the One-Up Disease is possible and recovery is practical, it is often difficult because the sufferer can be ignored by friend due to the annoyingness of one-upping.  Also, recovery is largely due to the individual’s willingness to end his or her one-upping ways and heeding his or her heart to God’s power of transformation.  Besides a humiliating fall (citing the proverb “pride comes before a fall”), other treatments include Bible reading, prayer, and honest discussion with friends.  Some alternative remedies include serving others, getting over oneself, and finding meaning in life other than self.

At any time, 65% of the population can be suffering from this disease; however, close to 100% of the population has suffered at any given time.  In fact, most people suffer mild to moderate symptoms of One-Up Disease 100% of the time.  Therefore, a daily regimen of spiritual encouragement via prayer, self-examination, and Bible study is encouraged.