Today, we’re going to delve into a unique topic: narcissists – a Christian view. It’s something I’ve been encountering more frequently, having prayed for many individuals over the years. Meeting people from different backgrounds and walks of life has brought this phenomenon to my attention. While I hadn’t really heard of it until around a decade ago, it seems to be growing more prominent. Let me share my screen so we can discuss this further.
Recently, we looked at the topic of UN expert arguing religious beliefs must change. Today, we are looking at something totally different!
If you take a look, I have titled the video “Narcissists – A Christian View,” and in the thumbnail, there’s an image of a lady striking a classic pose, which is commonly associated with narcissistic behaviour. This action symbolizes a focus on oneself, and while taking a picture of oneself isn’t inherently problematic, the continuous need for it isn’t wise.
A Mental Disorder
Narcissistic behaviour is recognized as a mental disorder, making it a serious matter. It’s possible that this behaviour has always existed to some extent, but advancements in technology, such as smartphones, might be amplifying its visibility. Alternatively, as we age, we naturally encounter a wider array of people, which could contribute to our increased awareness of such behaviour.
I was reflecting on the Pharisees’ behaviour described in Matthew 9:10-12.
“10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
It’s clear that they often criticized Jesus and questioned His actions. This tendency to undermine and challenge is reminiscent of narcissistic traits. However, let’s return to the main screen and explore this further.
We Are All Unique!
I firmly believe that each of us is a unique creation of Jesus, possessing distinct personalities. These idiosyncrasies set us apart and make life interesting. Nonetheless, certain behaviors may need adjustment in alignment with the teachings of the Bible.
As I’ve observed, even within the Christian community, there are individuals who exhibit narcissistic traits. Overcoming such behaviour can be challenging, similar to helping an alcoholic who must acknowledge their problem. Narcissists often struggle to admit their behaviour is problematic, making intervention difficult.
Key Traits Of Narcissistic Behaviour
Now, let’s delve into some of the key traits associated with narcissistic behaviour:
1. Sense of Self-Importance: Narcissists centre their world around themselves, contrary to Jesus’ teachings about loving our neighbours and prioritizing others.
2. Preoccupation with Power, Beauty, or Success: The narcissist’s constant need for attention and admiration is reflected in their obsession with superficial qualities like appearance or status.
3. Fault-Finding: Much like the Pharisees criticizing Jesus, narcissists are quick to point out others’ faults while ignoring their own.
4. Entitlement: A sense of entitlement drives narcissists to believe they deserve special treatment, often disregarding societal norms or waiting their turn.
5. Selective Relationships: Narcissists prefer associating only with those who boost their image, leading to difficulties forming genuine connections.
6. Exploitative Behavior: Rather than helping others selflessly, narcissists engage in actions that serve their own interests.
7. Lack of Empathy: They struggle to understand others’ feelings and perspectives, and their interactions are often one-sided.
8. Constant Need for Admiration: Narcissists require continuous praise and validation to sustain their self-image.
9. Envy and Jealousy: They can be envious of others and often assume others envy them, leading to a skewed perception of reality.
10. Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can become crippling, as nothing ever meets their high standards.
11. Hypochondria: Narcissists often exaggerate their health issues, making them the centre of attention.
To Conclude
In summary, narcissistic behaviour contradicts the principles of Christianity, emphasizing self-centeredness over empathy and genuine connection. While God’s power is limitless, helping a narcissist change requires them to acknowledge their behaviour and the need for transformation. This may be explored further in a subsequent video.
Thank you for taking the time to watch, and if you have any thoughts to share on narcissists – a Christian view, please feel free to comment. This video may diverge from my usual content, but it’s a topic that I felt compelled to address. Have a wonderful day, and I look forward to connecting with you soon. If you would like to know more about me, you can find more here.