Narcissism
Narcissism is defined as excessive preoccupation with or admiration of oneself. A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition in which a person has an inflated sense of his own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of sympathy for others. But behind this condition, he suffers from a weak self-esteem that’s vulnerable to criticism.
The first Narcissist
Satan was the first narcissist. He was created by God (Ezekiel 28:13, 15) as a “covering” cherub (Ezekiel 28:14). His beauty was perfect and his wisdom was flawless (Ezekiel 28:15). But he chose to harbor pride in his heart. And he exalted himself and decided to attempt to unseat God. The Bible describes his state, “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor” (Ezekiel 28:17). “For you have said in your heart…I will exalt my throne above the stars of God …I will be like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13, 14).
Pride and selfishness led to Satan’s fall (Proverbs 16:18). And, thus, he was cast out of heaven to the earth. And his angels were cast out with him (Revelation 12:7-9). After the creation of man, Satan was able to deceive humanity. And this is how sin entered our earth and doomed it to eternal death (Romans 5:12).
The plan of salvation
But God, in His infinite mercy, sent His Son to redeem mankind from eternal death. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Now, every person that accepts Christ’s death on his behalf by faith and obeys Him gets saved. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
Selflessness
One of the signs of the end is that people will be lovers of self (2 Timothy 3:2-8). To love self (Romans 7:5) is the antithesis of the genuine Christian spirit of unselfishness (1 Corinthians 13:5) and meekness (Matthew 5:5). Christ was selfless and Christians are called to walk in His steps. The Bible teaches, “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
The apostle Paul urges Christians not to be selfish. He bids them to show a tender care for the happiness and the welfare of others. No one should live only for himself and disregard the needs of others. The Christian is to deny himself and follow the Lord in the path of self sacrifice and love (Mark 8:34).
God gives victory
The works of self-seeking and narcissism (Galatians 5:19-21) can be overcome by the power of God through faith. Christ calls His children to be free from selfishness (John 8:34-36). And this can be achieved by His transforming grace when believers accept Christ into their lives. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This process takes place when God’s children connect themselves daily to God by study of His Word and prayer. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4-10).
Thus, believers get set on a new path opposite to the path of narcissism (Ezekiel 36:26, 27; John 1:12, 13; 3:3–7; 5:24; Ephesians 1:19; 2:1, 10; 4:24; Titus 3:5; James 1:18). And they become partakers of the divine nature of love. For the Lord has “given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4 also 1 John 5:11, 12).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
