The story of Narcissus details how this mythological being began to contemplate his image in the mirror of the water’s surface and felt a fascination for his own reflection from which he could not escape. He could not touch or embrace the being he saw reflected in the water, but neither could he turn his gaze away from it. In any case, Narcissus, captivated by the beautiful image of himself reflected in the river, withdrew from any possible romantic relationship with other beings, and even neglected his own basic needs, and his body wasted away to end up transformed into the narcissus flower, a flower as beautiful as it is malodorous. (Metamorphoses, Ovid, 43 B.C.)
There is no need to go far to find studies that demonstrate the increase in narcissistic behavior in society. In fact, in 2013, TIME magazine detailed how various studies in the United States showed that Narcissistic Personality Disorder is three times more common in people aged 20 than in those aged 65. A 58% increase in narcissistic traits was observed among college students in 2009 compared to 1982. Lastly, 40% of millennials believe they should be promoted or receive a raise every two years, regardless of their performance.
The 2012 Clark University Survey of Emerging Adults indicates that a higher percentage of people aged 18 to 29 live with their parents than with a spouse. This is the reality we live in this new millennium—people either delay marriage or choose not to marry at all. They have fewer children, and if they do, they have fewer of them. There is an increasing emphasis on living in the moment, with travel, adventure sports, and sensationalism becoming more important. There is a growing culture of body worship, with an increase in personal care products, gym memberships, cosmetic surgeries, and purchases of trendy clothes, jewelry, watches, and cars. Not to mention the selfie culture, which has emerged in recent years.
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy defines narcissism as:
- Referring to the myth of Narcissus (that is, a person who takes excessive care of their personal appearance, or who considers themselves attractive, as if in love with themselves).
- Excessive self-satisfaction in the consideration of one’s own abilities or works.
This term is used in this sense and with multiple variants in the study of human psychology. After decades of studies, it is considered that a person is narcissistic or has Narcissistic Personality Disorder if they exhibit the following behaviors:
- Distorted self-image, which includes feelings of omnipotence and feeling like a special category. There is an egocentric perception of reality and fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, or ideal love.
- Lack of empathy. The narcissist is unable to recognize or try to experience what others feel.
- Hypersensitivity to the evaluation of others. The egocentrism of the narcissistic person makes them always believe that everyone is talking about them and that they are the center of attention.
- Difficulty in interpersonal relationships with Machiavellianism and feelings of entitlement over others. The narcissistic person has no qualms about using and manipulating others for their own benefit.
Some readers may think that these symptoms are exaggerated, but the truth is that society increasingly tends toward this disorder. The Bible clearly tells us how these behaviors will manifest in the future. In 2 Timothy, it says:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
A piece of advice from the Word of the Lord is to avoid these people. Certainly, if we surround ourselves with people who seek God, who pursue goodness and love, that will positively influence us. However, if we engage in friendships with egocentric individuals, we won’t receive much Christian teaching from them. Let’s lead them back to Christ and avoid them if they deny Him. Instead, in an environment of vanity where appearances are prioritized, passions for worldly things will arise. The Word of God tells us clearly in the book of James:
“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:1-4
The Word is also clear in speaking to us about humility, giving us the example of Christ. When Christ came, He did not boast of being the Son of God or use His supernatural powers against those who accused, insulted, and punished Him. The example of humility that Christ gave us is wonderful:
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:3-8
Lastly, we know that God’s commandment is for us to have love for our neighbor. What love can we have for our neighbor if we put ourselves first with a narcissistic attitude? The Word gives us a definition of love:
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Therefore, attitudes of vanity, boasting, and envy are not of God. We should put God first and then others, not ourselves.
CONCLUSION
Make an examination of conscience and think about which characteristics identify you as a person. If you want to change your life, we invite you to receive God in your heart, as only Jesus Christ can make you a new person. Visit our page KNOW CHRIST.
