Paul seems to be concerned about the character and behavior of church leaders, so he warns Timothy to be wary of those who act out of an attitude of “self-love”. Narcissism has been identified as a personality disorder for some time, dating back to the 19th century, but what does the Bible say about narcissism and narcissistic personalities? While children are young and need to cover 100% of their needs, parents can become God-like people in the lives of their children. And as the child grows, parents teach him to obey the loving authority that is over them, which is God. Someone with narcissistic traits doesn't want to respect anyone in authority and certainly doesn't want to hear wisdom.
They want to do exactly what they were told not to do, out of rebellion. And they believe that they have the right to go against all authority because they are the ultimate authority over their own lives; they think they are gods. They lean toward the desires of the flesh instead of having self-control or living within the will of God for their lives. It is interesting to note that Dr.
Näcke, who described narcissism in the late 19th century, initially only referred to humans who treated their bodies as a sexual object in his writing. All other pathological features of self-absorption were added later. Inspired Walk is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and providing a biblical defense for the Christian faith. All too often, codependents (those who maintain relationships with narcissists, feeding their ego and giving them a “narcissistic supply”) devote a lot of time and emotional energy to doing things (including prayer) to try to make their narcissist change, love, be kind and happy.
As a side note, narcissists can learn what to say and what not to say in order to blend in with society. Licensed professionals, with the ability to diagnose mental health disorders, must meet at least five of the nine criteria to label a person with narcissistic personality disorder (or NPD). When you know the truth and are able to set boundaries and defend yourself, a narcissist will oppose you. That's why, in the end, it doesn't really matter if you're exact about whether someone is a narcissist.
Like Satan, a narcissist without henchmen under his control to support his worth would be reduced to nothing, an unbearable situation for them. So a narcissist could say that he knows that he is a wretch and that he needs a savior, and he could even say it convincingly, but that doesn't mean that he feels it inside or shows it outside.
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