In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.
(Psalm 36:1-2)
Using the word narcissism has become all the rage—so much so that it has become a household word. In fact, we rarely heard this term ten years ago, but now there are countless articles, books, videos, and podcasts on this idea.
Not only that, there is a growing number of people who feel free to casually and summarily judge and condemn other people as narcissists.
So what, exactly does narcissism mean? Where did this idea come from?
While the word narcissism is not in the Bible, we certainly find the various traits of this idea. For example, excessive pride, self-absorption, self-love, and extreme self-centeredness are all throughout Scripture. There are also several people who might fit the description, such as Jezebel, Pharaoh, and Nebuchadnezzar.
In addition, the Apostle Paul gave Timothy (along with all of us) a list of several dreaded characteristics regarding the “last days.” We should take special note of how these traits closely fit with narcissism, and how they are connected to “terrible times.”
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
(2 Timothy 3:1-7)
As you likely know—perhaps all too well—so-called “narcissists” can be exceptionally charming. As a result, they are masters at presenting themselves in a great light, endearing themselves to others, while also minimizing and covering their faults and weaknesses. In addition, there can be some good things about them, and they are often successful in one or more areas of life.
All of these good things, at least those that seem to be good, make it very difficult to detect a so-called narcissist. Making this even more tricky, there are often other people who speak very highly of them, and will strongly, if not fiercely, defend them.
In his latest book, Thinking Biblically About Narcissism, Mark provides practical wisdom from God’s Word on how to recognize this destructive behavior and what you can do about it.
Mark also recently sat down with Jenn Nizza on her popular podcast to discuss the topic of narcissism from a biblical perspective. You can watch or listen to that conversation here.
HOPE FOR LIFE MINISTRY
Hope For Life Biblical Counseling & Equipping is a non-profit ministry based in the Central Valley of California. We have always been fully committed to providing biblical counseling at no cost to anyone in need, along with classes, books, and other equipping resources for the local community and the worldwide body of Christ as a whole.
In addition to being a full-time counselor for well over two decades, Mark Baker actively develops and teaches courses on a wide range of subjects, including forgiveness, conflict, marriage & relationships, biblical counseling, and discernment. Emily, Mark’s wife, handles the administrative and artistic side of the ministry, while holding down the fort at home.
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