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Narcissism means to have an excessive love of self. According to many experts, our age is narcissistic. Expressions such as “I have to be me;” “I deserve a break,” “If it feels good, do it”–are expressions that can reflect excessive love for oneself. To be sure, we all need a healthy self-respect. But when love of self consumes us, we begin to believe that the world owes us whatever we want. This is a twisted view of self. This is conceit, egotism, and vanity. This kind of self-centeredness is inconsistent with the teaching of the Bible. It can destroy relationships. It can cause us to self-destruct. The Apostle Paul spoke to this issue when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 10: He said, “You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is beneficial.” The question for God’s people should not be “Am I free to do whatever I please?” But how will my attitude and actions affect others? Paul summarized his teaching on this subject this way: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” He also said, “I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. Our attitude might well be as the legendary Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers once put it: “God is first. Others are second. I am third.”
