The Ultimate Narcissist

 

Ever met/ been involved with a narcissist? Statistically most of us will meet one at some time in our lives. Narcissists are the self-obsessed people who draw others into their lives only to feed their enormous egos and to provide them with what they need most- attention, prestige, money, material goods and a range of other services. They are always there for you – when they need you.

Narcissists will prey on the kind, compassionate, responsible and loyal people who value relationships. It may take these people a long time to see the underlying lack of genuine reciprocation with which their feelings are treated. But even very giving people eventually become aware of the inequality of a relationship with a narcissist, whose need to feel superior often manifests itself in criticism leading to contempt.

Narcissists, of course, are human, with human failings and deserving of compassion and hopefully, constructive counselling. As I study the characteristics of narcissism, I see much of the attributes of the ultimate narcissist, Satan, from whom the evils of this world originate.

Satan was originally created by God as a powerful angel of light, whose name was Lucifer, meaning “morning star”. He is described in the Bible as beautiful and wise. (Ezekiel chapter 28). Instead of giving glory to God, however, he became obsessed with himself to the point where he considered himself greater than God (Isaiah chapter 14). As a result, God cast him from his position in heaven. Lucifer the morning star became Satan, meaning “adversary” – one who hates both God and all of God’s creation.

Satan is the prime example of narcissism at work. He is in love with himself and seeks to gain power over and attention from others. Satan always uses something personally attractive to the individual to gain their attention. It may be money, or sexual behaviour, or prestige. It may be simply being part of the crowd. The human heart, of course, is inherently drawn to sin (Jeremiah 17:9). Satan will attract, then take. Little by little he will draw you into a web of deceit, sinful behaviour, addictions and loss of self-control. He will take your attention, time, money, family, marriage, self-esteem and anything else he can. Ultimately, he will take your life if he is able to.

What a contrast is the personhood of Jesus. Jesus is love personified. He needs nothing. He gives everything, even down to giving His own life for us. Jesus was there at the time of creation, Lord of all the universe, yet He chose to take human form and live a humble life. On the cross He could have called upon legions of angels to defend Him against those who beat and mocked Him, yet He chose horrendous suffering and death. In obedience to His Father’s will, Jesus honoured His Father and made a way for us to be reconciled to God.

Jesus wants relationship with each of us, but, unlike Satan, Jesus is always interested in our good. A life devoted to God, through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit is the best life that one could possibly live. Better than the best earthly father, Father God desires only to see each of His created human children growing in wisdom and goodness. He is always with us, always faithful to His word, always loving.

Jesus tells us that He saw Satan fall like lightening from Heaven (Luke 10:18). Satan is a defeated foe. He has no claim on those who have given their lives to Christ. The ultimate narcissist has no attraction for those who have known true relationship with God and His Son Jesus.