Church Narcissists
Narcissist… a person with an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. They are… selfish, entitled, lack empathy, seek attention, and are self-centered.
Babies get a Free Pass…
Good news… when we are born, as BABIES we get a free pass on being selfish/narcissistic. Then, as we mature, there is a graceful curve of expectations that gradually fade as we deepen our understanding and abilities and realize that life is not about me, me, me.
GOD’S TWO GREATEST COMMANDMENTS are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and others as ourselves. Which leaves us each with the question: So how’s that working out so far?
I read those two commandments,
and it makes perfect sense… until I go out my front door, turn on the TV, notice the new car my neighbor drives, or observe the adoration others receive when I feel overlooked.
To be honest, I like things, and I an occasional atta-boy or two makes my day. There is nothing wrong with wanting more, right?
And… 8.3 billion people (the World’s population in 2026) as a collective wanting more can’t be wrong, right?
So maybe ‘everyone’ is on to something. Maybe?
AND if I watch a sporting event, a movie, go to a concert, or turn on the news and observe superstar athletes, movie stars, pop stars, DC politicians, and more, they all lust with an unquenchable Me-Monster thirst.
They live a self-adoration existence prone to sharing their 'gold nuggets of wisdom' with us, common folk. How else could we carry on without hearing their marching orders?
SO… Let’s go to CHURCH
But at least THE CHURCH is a narcissist-free zone, right? Sadly, too many ‘preach/tweak’ God's Word to cater to the itching ears, and prioritize entertainment over worshipping God.
Too many Me-Pastors compromise their mission by focusing on attendance and MONEY. Too many Me-Pastors consider being a pastor a vocation choice over a calling from God.
But we Pew-Folk don’t get off so easily. We look for a church to entertain us, to give us a plan for a better life, rather than realizing we are called to worship God. Church should NOT be where we go to get spiritual atta-boys when we need to be getting right with God.
Church Narcissism is found in messages like...
1. God loves you just the way you are.
2. You are enough,
3. the prosperity gospel, and
4. become a better you.
You might be a Church Narcissist if… Prosperity and comfort take precedence over loving God with all your heart and loving others as yourself.
God's two greatest commandments, Matthew 6:5-15
But also... from personal experience, I KNOW church narcissism that is fueled by our insecurities. Our busy, anxious minds can obsess over hurt feelings, keeping our eyes fixed on ourselves.
These are self-preservation fears that can drive us inward as much as any of the above ego-motivated narcissism.
Note: Of course, Christian Narcissism is an oxymoron of Biblical proportions. Narcissism is self-serving, while True Christianity serves God and others.
In a recent Bible study with friends, we read The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer .. and in this short book, Tozer prescribes the cure for Narcissism.
God pursues us, so pursue God Matthew 18:11-13
Daily, Read & Study God's Word (His Truth) Psalm 119:11-18
Daily, be Quiet and Prayerful, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 6:5-6
Daily, Confess our sins and receive His Grace. 1 John 1:9
Daily, love God, and others as ourselves... Matthew 22:36-40
Together, let's pursue His Truth and serve with His church in this world as the Body of Christ. We are one body with many parts (denominations, giftedness, talents)
all designed (narcissism-free) for the Glory of God.
Blessings
Jeff (one body, many aches) Larson
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