Self-Centered or Narcist
These days, the time for hardship and trouble has increased. The cost of living is skyrocketing, and everything from groceries to rent continues to soar. This can cause people to be self-centered, as it was during the Pandemic. The mask we all wore was a sign of self-preservation. Today there is an uproar arising. People today are rushing into the stores and are stocking up on supplies and food without the regard of others. According to an article published in Psychology Today, more people are becoming individualized today than in times past. Narcissism is on the rise; people are making everything about them. The Bible teaches us that we should not be focusing so much on ourselves but on others (Ph2:3-4, 1 Cor.10:24). Jesus made it a law that we should invest our attention in others when he said that we should do unto people as we would want them to do unto us (Lk. 6:31).
Esther4:14-16
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? 15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Esther was selected to be queen of the kingdom of Ahasuerus. Her life changed from a Jewish orphan girl to the most powerful woman. She was in a position of narcissism where supposedly all the attention was on her. God had other plans for Esther. She was placed in the position of queen not for herself, but for God’s people. God was looking after his people and he knew in advance that the time was coming when they needed a savior type to arise. The powers of darkness were stirring up against God’s people. The enemy wanted Mordecai to bow down and worship him, but he would not; as Jesus did not to the devil in the desert (Mt. 4:8-10). God lifted Esther for a time as this. Esther was reminded of who she was and the probability of God using her in those days when his people were on the verge of being destroyed.
It was a leap of faith for Esther. Mordecai did not assure her that this was what God had called her for he said, “Who knows” leaving the option to Esther. Esther had to believe this was God’s purpose for her life and act on it (He. 11:6). The ball was in Esther’s court. She had to decide to stand up and help in a time like this or become complacent. Jesus said that if anyone wanted to come after him he would have to deny himself and take up his cross and follow him (Mt. 16:24).
Philippians 2:3-4
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
Luke 6:31
31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Matthew 4:8-10
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Matthew 16:24
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.