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"ROOT Cause" ---- Narcissism |
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However, I have come to consider that perhaps there is a even deeper and more foundational cause and source, of which "Pride" is merely its "First-born son". That source is called "Narcissism". Using its simplest definition, it is the attitude or belief that one IS the "Center of the Universe". Everyone and everything else (God included) exists merely to please and serve them, and to satisfy THEIR needs and wants. In "spiritual" (and simplest) terms, the Narcissist believes that he/she IS God (or at least a secondary god) !! There is even the "Specter of Religious Narcissism". Rather than being freed - by the renewing of the Holy Spirit - from the "Idol and Taskmaster of Self", this "Self" merely acquires a new face and vocabulary !! Everything is STILL related to the same center. Now the focus becomes - What God has done for ME: MY Blessings - MY Calling - MY Church - MY Faith - MY God - MY Gifts - MY Happiness - MY Healing - MY Health - MY getting to Heaven - MY Liberty - MY Ministry - MY New Life - MY New Purpose - MY New Vision - MY Ministry - MY Place in the Body - MY Salvation - MY Sucess - MY Work for MY Lord - etc. !!Most of us (Christians) NEVER move on to "God's Ultimate Viewpoint", namely -- ALL that He does is NOT for US and OUR benefit, but rather for HIM and HIS benefit. How glibly we quote this verse [ We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. *** Rom 8:28 ] when things aren't going as well as we would like them to. It is GENERALLY interpreted, [ "God works out ALL things for OUR good as long as we love Him" ]. One day, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see that the TRUE interpretation is: [ "God works ALL things together for HIS good to where they will help to bring about HIS ultimate intention, plan and purpose" ] -- a MAJOR difference and shift of "Vision Perspective" !! While BOTH Pride and Narcissism may (on the surface) seem to stem from the same root - and one MIGHT even be tempted to say that they are merely different names for the same affliction - I believe that THIS would be a great error. While they both may possess superficial similarities, I believe that Narcissism is the "Father" of Pride, and is FAR more destructive, malignant and vicious than is mere Pride. I wrote some time ago that I do NOT consider "Pride" - in and of itself - to ALWAYS be a destructive, sinful quality. A benign form of "pride" might be defined as, "to feel very pleased about something or someone that you are closely connected with". As such, there IS such a thing as taking "pride" in doing good work, or in seeing the culmination and fruit of a long period of hard labor. There is also "pride" in the praise and accolades from an esteemed or loved one, or one that you greatly admire - or in seeing them achieve or excell in some undertaking. There is ESPECIALLY "pride" in hearing from God, "Well done my precious child"!! The "demon" is given birth when the Pride elevates one to the level of where you come to think of yourself as an especially "grand and magnificent personage", so much above the "common riffraff" that they are but loathsome insects by comparison. Such a person becomes a "law or god unto themselves". They no longer care what anyone else may think about them, their actions, or their thoughts. In the mind of such a one, they are so far above the masses that no one else sees the "big picture" as they do, or has the TRUE "depth of understanding" that they do. "God" has given to THEM alone the revelation of how reality TRULY is. As such, they feel that NO one else is in a position to judge them, their thoughts, NOR their actions - for no one else REALLY understands what is going on. Likewise (on their exalted ("god ordained" ??) mission through life, they have NO compunction about cheating, deceiving, lying, using people, or - worst case- killing to achieve their ends !! It is at THIS level that Pride certainly becomes Demonic and Narcissistic !! In my opening sentence, I stated that I didn't consider that the "Fall of MAN" was at the same level of "malignancy" as was that of Satan. One source that I have read and agree with states that this fact becomes obvious if you consider that Man merely lost his "divine connection and life". Satan, on the other hand, became TOTALLY depraved, diabolical and demonic. What was the difference ?? Satan WILLFULLY rebelled against and KNOWINGLY cast off ALL obedience and submission to his creator because it was in his heart to, "ascend above the powers of heaven, take ALL authority into his OWN hands, and rule as Most High in the Strength of the Fire". He thought that he would THUS rid himself once-and-for-all of what HE considered, "this abominable Love and Meekness (in his mind - weakness) that God chose to rule in and with". Man, on the other hand, merely sought to explore some "forbidden and strange territory". He thought - like the disobedient, inquiring and mischievous child who is told to stay away from a certain thing or place because it is dangerous - that there must be some intriguing and exciting mystery there that the parent just didn't want him to enjoy. It is when Man ascends (descends??) in his Pride (Narcissism) to the level of Satan that he becomes TRULY evil and diabolical !!
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Signs of Narcissism -- Narcissism is still being studied and explored, since many narcissists and people with narcissistic personality disorder don't seek treatment. However, there are some common traits of people with narcissistic behavior that you may be able to spot. Sense of Entitlement -- A common sign of people with narcissism is the belief that they are superior to others and deserve special treatment. They believe that others should be obedient to their wishes and that the rules don't apply to them. Manipulative Behavior -- Another common trait of narcissism is manipulative or controlling behavior. A narcissist will at first try to please you and impress you, but eventually, their own needs will always come first. When relating to other people, narcissists will try to keep people at a certain distance in order to maintain control. They may even exploit others to gain something for themselves. Need for Admiration -- One of the most common signs of a narcissist is a constant need for praise or admiration. People with this behavior need to feel validation from others and often brag or exaggerate their accomplishments for recognition. They also like to feel appreciated to boost their ego. Lack of Empathy -- Lack of empathy is another sign of narcissism. This means that the narcissist is unwilling or unable to empathize with the needs, wants, or feelings of other people. This also makes it difficult for them to take responsibility for their own behavior. Arrogance -- People with narcissistic behavior already see themselves as superior to others, so they may become rude or abusive when they don't receive the treatment they think they deserve. While they hold themselves superior, they may speak or act rudely toward those that they deem are inferior. Other signs include: (1). A sense of self-importance, exaggerating their achievements and talents
Read a companion article [ HERE ]
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"Egalitarianism -- An Angel of Light ---- or of Darkness ??"
