Five Things We Will Learn
- Why Scripture warns that in the last days people will love only themselves and reject true godliness.
- How the “kingdom of self” begins in infancy and matures into rebellion against all authority—even God’s.
- What the Bible reveals about narcissism through real lives: Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, the Pharisees, Delilah, Naaman, Saul, and others.
- How narcissism is more than a psychological term—it’s a spiritual stronghold that only the power of the Holy Spirit can break.
- How humility, repentance, and fellowship in Christ overcome the spirit of “me, myself, and I.”
The Last Days: A Culture in Love with Itself
The apostle Paul warned Timothy that in the last days there would be “difficult times”—times when people would love only themselves and their money, be boastful and proud, scoff at God, disobey their parents, and consider nothing sacred (2 Timothy 3:1–5). Jesus echoed that same warning in Matthew 24, saying that “because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
We’re living in those days. Lawlessness has grown bold. Crime is excused, and evil is celebrated. What we once only read about is now right before our eyes. This spirit of rebellion and self-worship is not just societal—it’s spiritual. It invades homes, relationships, and even churches. It’s the rise of the age-old idol: self.
The Birth of the Kingdom of Self
Scripture tells us that even in the womb, Jacob and Esau struggled against each other (Genesis 25). Before they were born, they were already fighting for position—already striving to be first. That same battle has been raging ever since—the war of self versus surrender, pride versus humility, “my will” versus “Thy will be done.”
Every newborn enters the world ready to establish a kingdom: his majesty, the baby.
From the moment of birth, he surveys his world, demanding love, attention, and immediate obedience to his cries. When hungry, he wails until fed; when uncomfortable, he screams until changed. Everything revolves around him. The family exists to serve his desires.
In time, that rule is challenged. Discipline begins—boundaries, a playpen, toilet training, rules. His majesty doesn’t like it. The war begins between the will of the child and the authority of the parent. If the will of the child isn’t lovingly corrected by age four, psychologists say, the die is cast: he will spend life demanding that everyone bend to him.
Unchecked, that spirit of self-rule grows. It learns tactics: divide and conquer—pitting one parent against another; challenge authority—testing limits; strategic rule—using charm and manipulation to get its way. These childish tactics, if never surrendered to Christ, mature into a life of narcissism.
When Self Becomes a Stronghold
Narcissism isn’t just a psychological description; it’s the visible fruit of a spiritual root. It’s self enthroned where God belongs. It’s pride with a mask—boasting, manipulating, and using others while lacking empathy or repentance.
Only the power of the Holy Spirit can break this. Reading Scripture, living in prayer, and walking in daily surrender are the only paths to freedom. It’s not counseling alone—it’s deliverance through the cross.
The Bible’s Portraits of Narcissism
The Bible doesn’t shy away from exposing this spirit. Its characters are mirrors for our own hearts—warning us what happens when “me, myself, and I” take the throne.
Nebuchadnezzar: Grandiosity and Self-Worship
“Is not this great Babylon that I have built by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” he said (Daniel 4).
At that moment, heaven interrupted. God stripped him of his kingdom, driving him into the fields to eat grass like an ox. For seven years he lived as a beast until he lifted his eyes toward heaven and confessed that the Most High rules the kingdoms of men.
The Lord still humbles the proud. Leaders who take credit for what belongs to God will face the same reality: His glory He will not share.
Herod: The Addiction to Attention
In Acts 12, Herod killed James and imprisoned Peter to please the people. When he stood before the crowd, robed in purple, and heard them shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man,” he basked in their praise.
He didn’t correct them.
He didn’t give glory to God.
Immediately, the angel of the Lord struck him, and he died.
Herod’s sin wasn’t only pride—it was the craving for attention. He loved the applause of man more than the approval of God.
The Pharisees: Entitlement in Holy Robes
Jesus said the Pharisees “sit in Moses’ seat” and tell others what to do but will not lift a finger themselves (Matthew 23). They loved titles, positions, and public greetings. They wanted the best seats and loud recognition, yet their hearts were far from obedience.
Jesus dismantled their illusion of greatness with one sentence: “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
Delilah: Manipulation Masquerading as Love
Delilah used Samson’s affection to destroy him. Through seduction, she drained his strength, sold his secret, and delivered him to his enemies. Her manipulation looked like love but led to blindness and bondage.
That’s what manipulation does—it uses intimacy to steal anointing. It’s not always romantic; sometimes it’s spiritual, political, or emotional. But the goal is always control.
Samson lost his sight because he surrendered to flattery instead of discernment. God restored him in the end, but the warning remains: manipulation is the language of narcissism.
Naaman: Arrogance That Almost Missed a Miracle
Naaman, the Syrian general, expected the prophet Elisha to treat him like royalty. He was insulted when told to wash in the Jordan River. “Aren’t the rivers of Damascus better?” he said.
Only after humbling himself did he find healing. Pride resists simple obedience; humility opens the way for God’s power.
Saul: Jealousy That Turns Friends into Enemies
When David returned victorious over Goliath, the women sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” From that day on, Saul eyed David with suspicion and rage. His envy opened the door to torment.
Narcissists cannot celebrate someone else’s success—they fear it exposes their own lack. David, humble and wise, carried God’s favor. Saul, consumed with jealousy, hurled spears at what he should have blessed. The same spirit is alive today in workplaces, ministries, and families.
Love Bombing: A Modern Mask of Control
The narcissist begins with flattery—lavish gifts, constant praise, endless affection. It feels intoxicating, like love. But once control is gained, the warmth disappears, leaving manipulation in its place. The victim is left confused, wondering what changed.
It’s the same old spirit—control disguised as devotion. The Bible calls it deceit.
God Still Rules the Kingdom of Men
The spirit of narcissism doesn’t only destroy homes; it infects governments and nations. God warned Nebuchadnezzar, and He will warn our leaders too. When rulers refuse to honor Him, He can remove them in a moment.
As pride grows, judgment draws near. Yet even judgment is mercy if it leads to repentance. The Lord is raising up humility again—servant leaders, not self-exalted ones. He’s restoring the fear of God to remind us all that He, not we, is in control.
Breaking the Power of “Me, Myself, and I”
Deliverance begins where surrender begins.
The cure for narcissism is not better self-esteem—it’s the cross.
We repent.
We humble ourselves.
We seek fellowship again, around tables where love grows warm. We let the Holy Spirit search our hearts and restore what pride has broken.
Only then can families heal, marriages breathe, and churches shine again with the love of Christ.
A Prayer of Surrender
Jesus, I humble myself before You.
Forgive me for living for myself and yielding to pride.
Wash me in Your Word.
Fill me with Your Spirit.
Heal every relationship I’ve wounded.
Give me grace to make things right and power to walk in humility.
Be King over my life.
Amen.
The Call to Remember
We are Christians—not by tradition, but by transformation.
Our manual isn’t man’s opinion—it’s the Word of God.
In an age of self-exaltation, may we choose the opposite spirit: humility, gratitude, servanthood, and love.
The world may grow darker, but the righteous will shine brighter.
The proud will fall, but those who humble themselves will find grace.
Stay in the Word.
Stay close to Jesus.
And remember: it’s not about me, myself, and I—it’s about Him.