What is a God Complex?

God complex is considered in the world of psychology to be a slightly unusual personality flaw. A narcissistic personality is closely associated with a God complex, can come in any shape or size, and can put things at risk. Though not officially labeled a personality disorder, the God complex is similar to the Narcissistic Personality Disorder and is often associated with it.

A god complex is an unshakable belief characterized by consistently inflated feelings of personal ability, privilege, or infallibility. God complex is not a clinical term nor a diagnosable disorder and does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The recognized diagnostic name for the behaviors associated with a God complex is narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

What it means to have a God complex

Someone with a god complex may exhibit no regard for the conventions and demands of society and may request special consideration or privileges. A person with a god complex may refuse to admit the possibility of their error or failure, even in the face of irrefutable evidence, intractable problems, or difficult or impossible tasks. The person is also highly dogmatic in their views, meaning the person speaks of their personal opinions as though they were unquestionably correct.

God complex vs. narcissism

A God complex may also be associated with mania or a superiority complex.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which is the most appropriate god complex synonym, is a rare mental disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, entitlement, and an alarming lack of empathy for other people. As is evident in the definition god complex, the condition can get extreme to the point where someone with the disorder does not even view the people around them as humans. It is an obsessive preoccupation with power and status that gives it the moniker god complex.

Do you know anyone who feels as though they’re God, above everyone else, and wants to be subjected to special treatment, ALL the time? Some people tend to forget that we’re not the creators of the world, and hence, we aren’t God.

Signs to look out for

To be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), a person must meet five or more of the following criteria. A person with a god complex:

• Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., he expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements);
• Is overwhelmed by fantasies of unlimited success, power, splendor, beauty, or ideal love;
• Thinks he is “special” and can only be recognized or understood by special individuals;
• Has a very strong sense of entitlement (e.g., unreasonable expectations of automatic compliance with his or her expectations);
• Has an excessive need to be admired;
• Thinks he is “owed”;
• Exploits others in his interpersonal relationships;
• Frequently envies others and thinks others envy him;
• Is arrogant and haughty in his attitude and behavior.

Do you think you are suffering from this complex, too? If yes, then you should take this ‘God Complex Quiz‘ and find out if you have this complex or not.

Scriptures on God’s complex

It seems in a world trying to be politically correct, terms such as ‘god complex’ and ‘narcissism’ are being used in place of pride and having a haughty spirit.

It seems in a world trying to be politically correct, terms such as ‘god complex’ and ‘narcissism’ are being used in place of pride and having a haughty spirit.

“We have heard of the pride of Moab, an excessive pride; Even of his arrogance, pride, and fury; His idle boasts are false.” Isaiah 16:6

A haughty person acts superior and looks down on others. Haughty people are disdainful, overbearing, prideful, swaggering, and obnoxious. Acting amazed that others haven’t heard of a hot new band is haughty. Speaking in a cocky or superior way is haughty. The word even sounds a little like its meaning: it’s hard to say haughty without sounding like you have an attitude. If you’re acting like others are beneath you, you’re being haughty.

“Before destruction, the heart of man is haughty,

But humility goes before honor.”

Proverbs 18:12

This is a destructive spirit found in all areas of life. Many people are vain. God brings down those who are haughty.

Jesus said, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” Matthew 11:29

Christian and god complex 

Being a Christian and having a god complex is an irony. The God-given nature of a believer is alien to the concept of having a god complex.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” 1 Corinthians 6:14

We walk in fellowship with God, and thus we can not be said to be children of darkness in any shape or form.

“And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:2-3 (BSB)

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is not darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5

“My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself; I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child, I am content. Israel put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.”

Psalms 131:1-3 NIV

The New Testament’s praise of humility instead of pride and honor was a radically new thing in the world.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” I Peter 5:6

“God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud.” James 4:6

Humble people, peacemakers who mourn their innate pride, will be comforted and called children of God (Matthew 5:1-11).

For every one that names the name of the LORD, a portion of Proverbs 16 holds true every day to walk in the spirit of meekness:

“The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:17-19 (BSB)

How to deal with a God complex

Let us share 4 scriptural pillars in dealing with a god complex:

• Submit to God

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil” Proverbs 3:5-7

“So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.” James 4:6 (AMP)

• Submit to one another

“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:20-21

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another….” Romans 12:10

• Walking in Love

“Be ye, therefore, followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

• Submit to the Word and Spirit of God

“And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.” Acts 20:32 (BSB)

Be God Consciousness

With God’s consciousness, we are able to be centered and sensitive, think clearly, and have balanced excellence in our thoughts, speech, and action that moves us toward more virtuous behavior. Therefore, we live with greater meaning and purpose.

The world of God consciousness is a dynamic world of process: of bringing Godliness into our world so that our world becomes a place suitable to eternally dwell in God.[1]

Consciousness is active. It involves setting our intention. It involves mindfulness. It involves perspective. It involves feeling. It involves sensitiveness. It involves being. It involves intimacy. It involves knowing. It involves direction. It involves expression. It involves free choice. It involves an awareness of our inner essence, as this inner essence is reflected in each of our situations, moment by moment.[2]