Narcissism is a word gaining momentum daily to describe self-centered people. Here’s a news flash about narcissism. Everyone is born a narcissist and acts self-centered at times. Yet, some do this so much more than others, they get tagged as narcissists.
Why do people act self-centered as if everything is about them? Because of one of two reasons. First, those not in Christ will always live with self-centered motives and actions, whether they do good things to help people or bad things. They can’t help it because that’s who they are in Adam.
The second reason is that people in Christ sometimes depend on their self-centered flesh to cope with life. Some are doing this positively from a positive self-image but not a Biblical one. This produces pride. Another group is very pessimistic about life and may perceive themselves as victims. They elicit pity from others because of their negative self-image. Sadly, this is another form of pride because of the lack of a Biblical self-image.
What does it mean to have a Biblical self-image? It means our perception of who we are is shaped more and more by our Heavenly Father’s opinion of us instead of any other voice. This means it is essential that we know who we are as a new creation in Christ! Here is a familiar Scripture that tells us this.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 The word “new creation” literally means “new species.” There are only two species of humans on the earth, those in Christ and those in Adam. Those in Christ have Christ in them to love them and to live through their new identity, personality, and body. He is their ultimate Source. Those who are in Adam are unfortunately devoid of having Christ in them to love them and to live through them.
So, the deepest desire in our new hearts in Christ is not to live a self-centered, narcissistic life. It is to live from Jesus so we can live for Jesus, loving Him and loving others. 2 Corinthians 5:15 describes it this way: He died for all so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.
Though this is true about who we are, don’t forget that we will sometimes live in narcissistic ways when we turn to the flesh as our source instead of Christ as our Source. We also have an enemy, Satan, and his army of demons who daily attempt to influence us to live self-centered. Yet, even this can teach us to depend more on Christ in us.
So, a Christian cannot BE a narcissist, but they can ACT like one at times, but this is not who we genuinely are according to our Heavenly Father.
