I am not going to talk about how we ought to practice such narcissism If the years of Twitter, Facebook, etc. have taught us anything, it is that we are too interested in ourselves and our activities. Does the wide world need to know (much less see a picture of) what we ate for lunch? Does our relationship status need to be common knowledge? Does anyone care if we are getting froyo with our BFF after the gym?
Gosh no.
Narcissism is the measure of the day, and how fascinated we are with the person in the mirror! Everyone is a star; we can all be Kardashians (though, I don't think that sounds like a nice or happy life). Yet for being so self-obsessed, we are not very kind to ourselves. In fact, it is to our own selves that we often target our deepest criticism, disappointment, blame, and fear. Just look at the sweeping trends in self-harm, alcoholism, cutting, drugs, eating disorders, promiscuity, and suicide. For a species that is so obsessed with itself, we show excessive amounts of self-hatred. Ourselves shouldn't like us very much.
So, what have we done wrong?
We've forgotten who and what we are.
In a culture that likes to tell us we are wonderful, special, interesting little demi-gods, and with internet sites devoted to our every thought and action, we fall into a sham willingly. We speak and dress to promote only a certain part of ourselves; our Facebook page displays an image we've constructed; we create a beautiful facade of poise, cleverness, and success that we then try to believe ourselves. How disappointing it is to realize that we are fallen, foolish, emotional, and we fail daily. We know better than anyone how sad a charade our public face is.
Romance 7:18 says "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
We know what is right, but we don't do it. We know what is true, but we don't live it. And in seeking unconditional love from the world, we come to realize we can't even give it to ourselves. Why? Because man and his love is imperfect.
HOWEVER....
"God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
That unconditional love we grasp for? It sees our attempts at perfection, watches as they fall apart, and then loves us in spite of it all. God knows; He is not deceived by our polished performance. In fact, He is so familiar with our shortcomings that He died to do away with them forever. He took them on Himself. For all the times you've argued that God can't love you because of what you've done, He can and He does. In fact, He knows your sins as well as you do. Your value is in His estimation, and He esteems to call you His.
So, what does that mean?
It means that our days of self-loathing can be over, and our days of self-love should be finished.
Acknowledging our sin nature makes us honest. We aren't perfect, we can't be perfect, and no one is worthy of unconditional love. Let that put your narcissism to death. However, self-loathing now has no place amongst us either, because Almighty God (who has every right to hate us) refuses to do so. We do not deserve His love, but He gives it anyway. We are unconditionally loved by the Maker of love itself.
Now what do I do?
"And He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
We can't be proud. We have nothing to be proud about. However, we also can't inflict judgement and hatred upon ourselves because God did that to His Son. It's over. Now, we are called to live righteously, showing love to one another, and bringing God and His kingdom glory. Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Although its not popular, and it will win you no followers on Twitter, living in the truth of unconditional love is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.
LOVE
So, what have we done wrong?
We've forgotten who and what we are.
In a culture that likes to tell us we are wonderful, special, interesting little demi-gods, and with internet sites devoted to our every thought and action, we fall into a sham willingly. We speak and dress to promote only a certain part of ourselves; our Facebook page displays an image we've constructed; we create a beautiful facade of poise, cleverness, and success that we then try to believe ourselves. How disappointing it is to realize that we are fallen, foolish, emotional, and we fail daily. We know better than anyone how sad a charade our public face is.
Romance 7:18 says "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
We know what is right, but we don't do it. We know what is true, but we don't live it. And in seeking unconditional love from the world, we come to realize we can't even give it to ourselves. Why? Because man and his love is imperfect.
HOWEVER....
"God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
That unconditional love we grasp for? It sees our attempts at perfection, watches as they fall apart, and then loves us in spite of it all. God knows; He is not deceived by our polished performance. In fact, He is so familiar with our shortcomings that He died to do away with them forever. He took them on Himself. For all the times you've argued that God can't love you because of what you've done, He can and He does. In fact, He knows your sins as well as you do. Your value is in His estimation, and He esteems to call you His.
So, what does that mean?
It means that our days of self-loathing can be over, and our days of self-love should be finished.
Acknowledging our sin nature makes us honest. We aren't perfect, we can't be perfect, and no one is worthy of unconditional love. Let that put your narcissism to death. However, self-loathing now has no place amongst us either, because Almighty God (who has every right to hate us) refuses to do so. We do not deserve His love, but He gives it anyway. We are unconditionally loved by the Maker of love itself.
Now what do I do?
"And He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
We can't be proud. We have nothing to be proud about. However, we also can't inflict judgement and hatred upon ourselves because God did that to His Son. It's over. Now, we are called to live righteously, showing love to one another, and bringing God and His kingdom glory. Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Although its not popular, and it will win you no followers on Twitter, living in the truth of unconditional love is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.
LOVE
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