Let's Refuse to Conform!

Narcissists are selfish and self-confident. They can hurt people without remorse because they lack empathy.

Sadly, "70 percent of students today score higher on narcissism and lower on empathy than did the average student thirty years ago." (source)

Psychologists claim these narcissistic characteristics are caused by poor parenting or environment, but Scripture doesn't support that excuse (Ezekiel 18). 
  
And facts don't support it either: some folks with terrible backgrounds grow into productive, empathetic people; and some folks with wonderful backgrounds grow into selfish narcissists.

God tells us the reason for poor character:
Our hearts are prone to evil (Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-22).

And God tells us the solution:
"Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life… let the Spirit renew your thoughts and  attitudes..." Ephesians 4:17-32 (1)

By allowing God's Spirit to transform our minds, we can reject these unhealthy patterns of the world (Romans 12:1-2).
 --------------------------
(1) Obviously, this solution applies to believers who have God's Spirit.

Take time to examine yourself today: 

• Are you able to accept valid criticism? See Accepting Correction. 
• Have you been criticizing others and excusing similar behavior in yourself? See 3 Disastrous Attitudes. 
• Have you demanded that others be sensitive to your challenges while ignoring the challenges they face? See Walk a Mile in their Moccasins. 
• Are you thinking the worst of others or giving them the benefit of the doubt? Do you expect loyalty but fail to give it in return? Are you able to hurt someone without remorse? See 8 Narcissist Problems. 
• Do you acknowledge and genuinely repent when you're wrong? Do you punish people by pouting, creating ungodly boundaries, cutting off contact, or withholding things that would bless them? Please read Matthew 7:12. 

 To read more about "boundaries" in relationships: Are Boundaries Biblical?
 

------------------------------

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet that will help you add joy and depth to your Quiet Time. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes