The term narcissism originates in Greek mythology and the legend of Narcissus. He was known for his exquisite beauty. It is said that after seeing his reflection in the river, Narcissus fell in love with himself.
A narcissist has a huge EGO, which could stand for Edging God Out. An egotist is a person who is overly concerned with his own desires, needs, and interests. Because of his inherent self-absorption; he is pragmatic and judgmental.
From the Mayo Clinic: “Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention, wanting people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others.”
When searching “narcissist” via AI, it describes it this way: Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a more severe and persistent condition that’s characterized by a lifelong pattern of exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a diminished ability to empathize with others. People with NPD may also have a sense of superiority, feel entitled to special treatment, and be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, or beauty. They may also be critical of people they feel are not important.
“Narcissist” is a psychological, and medical term. The corresponding Bible word for narcissist is “proud.” Smug and self-important individuals are, knowingly or unknowingly, involved in self-worship; setting themselves up as their own gods. They have an insatiable desire for control, and demand respect without earning it. People with proud hearts stir up strife (Prov. 28:25). Self-absorption never builds; it always destroys relationships.
Another scriptural term for narcissism is “fool.” The “way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Prov. 12:15). Fools make their own rules, despise correction, ignore criticism, and lack the capacity to consider the consequences of their actions. The Book of Proverbs deems these behaviors as “foolish.”
Narcissistic Characteristics
A narcissist will accuse and condemn you for doing the same things he is doing. This is a diversion tactic that draws attention away from his own idiosyncrasies.
A narcissist will say anything to persuade you of his concern. He portrays himself as genuine, but words are cheap. “I don’t trust words, I trust actions. People can tell you anything, but actions tell you everything.” (copied from 3am Thoughts)
A narcissist will make a plain statement, but when questioned about his statement he will immediately deny what he just said. This is a sure sign of a deep character flaw. You should run away from people like this… immediately.
A narcissist can justify anything. He never sees any flaws within, but he sees all manner of flaws in others.
Narcissists are masters of manipulation. Their verbal contradictions are a sure-fire indicator that something is amiss. Instead of responding directly to your questions, they reply with another question. This is done to divert the focus from them—an attempt to get you to question yourself instead of them.
Rest assured whenever a narcissist is criticizing others to you, he will turn around and criticize you to the same people. What a man says about others says more him than the individuals he is talking about.
Narcissists are stingy when it comes to compliments. To them, it is more blessed to receive a praise than give one.
Narcissists have ulterior motives. Their public behavior is only a ploy to obtain a desired outcome. When questioned about their motivations, they react aggressively, and sometimes viciously.
ANTIDOTE TO NARCISSISM
All men are born with proud, self-focused, and independent hearts. Human nature is characterized with varying degrees of self-love—my and your human nature included!
What says the Scripture? “There is none righteous, no, not one… They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Rom. 3:12-14). Rampant self-obsession and self-absorption is a universal dilemma. The apostle Paul warned that in the last days people would be ‘lovers of self… boastful, arrogant… conceited, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God’ (2 Timothy 3:2-5).
There is only one difference between a humble man and a proud man, and it is this—the humble man is willing to concede he is proud! The first step toward humility is admitting you are proud. Thankfully, there is hope for the humble; because the Lord gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
The only antidote for our predisposition of self-centeredness is the Cross where our old man was crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6). The old man is never satisfied: he must be crucified. Salvation is deliverance from SELF, which is really the source of all sin. Only through grace can a heart be saved from self-love, and transformed to love God and others (Mark 12:30-31). By taking the sinner’s place, the old man is displaced and Christ is enthroned. Here is the prayer for all seeking freedom from the tyranny of Self…
“Lord, bend this stiff-necked “I.”
Help me to bow the head and die,
That it may no longer be “I”
But Christ that lives in me.”
Harold Vaughan
