The Biblical Solution To Narcissism

[3] “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” — Romans 12:3 KJV

Narcissism is an exceptional interest in and admiration for yourself. And it’s so dangerous that it feeds your ego and self-obsession. This behaviour is more personal, so it’s difficult to spot it in a person until he expresses it consistently in his speech in the form of self-praise.

The Bible says in Proverbs 27:21 AMP (italic mine) that,

“The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold [to separate the impurities of the metal], And each is tested by the praise given to him [and his response to it, whether humble or proud].”

When you start to find your identity in what you’ve achieved instead of what God thinks about you, you begin becoming narcissistic. It’s not wrong to view your personal achievements with joy (see Galatians 6:4). But when you fail to recognise that it’s by grace you got empowered to do all these things, you remove the God factor out of the picture and take glory for yourself. That is wrong.

Paul provided the Biblical solution to narcissism in Romans 12:3. He said that no man should think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But before saying that, he started by saying, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you… ”.

So Paul is saying that even though you can think of yourself, recognise grace in all your accomplishments, not your human works.

We, humans, are so feeble without God. If you think you did all that you’ve achieved by yourself, think about how God has given you air to breathe each day.

Study the Word, and be knowledgeable. But don’t be like Nebuchadnezzar, who, for one time, displayed narcissism and ended up in the bush as an animal for seven years to learn humility (see Daniel 4:30-34).

You’re a blessing.

Prayer:

Father, help me to always recognise Your grace for whatever You’ve achieved and continued to do through me in advancing the mission of Jesus in this generation. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 266