Good morning. In today’s message, we want to discuss how narcissism distracts us from our calling of evangelism.

Narcissism is often used loosely; however, we will not approach this topic from a psychological perspective, but rather through a biblical lens. At its root, what many describe as narcissism is deeply tied to self-centeredness, pride, and selfishness. The Bible repeatedly warns us about the danger of becoming consumed with self rather than surrendering to God.

A Time of Reflection

Before going further, it is important to remember that God calls His people to holiness. He calls us to deny the old nature, crucify the flesh, and walk in humility. Our lives as Christian’s is not about exalting self, preserving self, or constantly centering self. It is about dying to our old man so that Christ may live through us.

When a person becomes excessively focused on their own needs and desires, it’s usually a distraction that causes us to lose sight of God’s heart for others; such distractions can distort priorities and hinder our spiritual maturity.

2 Timothy 3:1-2 AMP
[1] But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. [2] For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane,

What Is Narcissism at Its Root?

Narcissism is often described as an excessive preoccupation with oneself and one’s own needs, often at the expense of others. In plain terms, it becomes an “I, me, my” mindset.

This kind of self-focus can show up in many ways:

• Disregard for others
• Attention-seeking
• Arrogance
• Pride
• Entitlement
• Obsession with personal desires
• Resistance to correction
• Inability to reconcile

The Apostle Paul goes on to describe what grows out of this condition: greed, boastfulness, arrogance, ungratefulness, unholiness, lack of love, irreconcilability, slander, lack of self-control, brutality, conceit, and a form of godliness without power.

The Link Between Narcissism and Pride

Proverbs 16:18-19 AMP
[18] Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).

Pride elevates the self and makes a person grandiose, self-righteous, boastful, and difficult to correct. It produces a heart posture that says, “My will, my way, my recognition, my outcome,” which can manifest spiritually in subtle ways, such as Self-glorification, praise, admiration, etc.

God has not called us to exalt ourselves. He has called us to humility, purity, and to surrender to an outward-focused life. 

Inward Focus vs. Outward Mission (Evangelism)

When it comes to evangelism, we must be outward-focused, tending to the needs of others. When distractions come, the goal is to keep us turned inward with no desire to focus on those around us. An inward-focused life is one centered on self: my feelings, my goals, my needs, my pain, my plans.

While healthy self-awareness has its place, excessive inwardness becomes spiritually dangerous when it replaces dependence on God and compassion for others, and most dangerously, spiritual stagnation. This same danger can happen not only in individuals, but also in churches.

The Danger of an Inward-Focused Church

A church can begin with zeal for outreach, service, evangelism, and community engagement, yet slowly drift inward. Over time, internal preferences, traditions, conflicts, comfort, and maintenance can begin to outweigh the mission. When that happens, the church may become more concerned with keeping members comfortable, resolving internal issues, maintaining programs, and so on.

Meanwhile, prayer for the lost, outreach to the community, and a burden for souls can begin to fade. The body of Christ was never meant to become an exclusive club; we are called to be a light, a witness, and a beacon of hope in the world.

Matthew 28:19-20 AMP
[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

When life becomes painful, it is easy to begin focusing on self preservation:

• What will happen to me?
• How will I recover?
• What about my needs?
• What comes next for me?

These questions may arise naturally during difficult seasons, but if we stay there too long, fear can take root. Anxiety can grow. Depression can deepen. We can begin to spiral inward instead of anchoring ourselves in Christ. This is why believers must remain connected to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. The enemy often uses difficult seasons to turn believers inward. But God calls us to remain rooted in Him and committed to His mission.

Evangelism Pulls Us Out of Ourselves

The answer to being inward-focused is to return to Jesus and recover the heart of evangelism. When the early church was filled with the Holy Spirit, they were not preoccupied with self-image, self-consciousness, or self-protection. They were consumed with God’s presence and God’s mission. They preached boldly, loved deeply, and served sacrificially.

An outward-focused believer asks:

• Who needs prayer?
• Who needs encouragement?
• Who needs the gospel?
• Whom can I serve?

That is the posture God desires in us.

A Call to Repentance and Renewal

As we reflect, we must ask ourselves:

• Have I become overly focused on myself?
• Have I allowed pride, offense, or self-preservation to take root?
• Have I lost my burden for the lost?
• Have I become more concerned with my comfort than God’s mission?

God wants to deliver His people from self-love, self-idolatry, and fleshly pride. He wants to purify our hearts, restore humility, and awaken in us a fresh burden for souls.

If you recognize traces of selfishness, pride, inwardness, or spiritual self-preservation in your life, bring it before the Lord. He is faithful to reveal, correct, cleanse, and restore.

This is the hour for believers to return to the heart of the mission. We are called to love God, deny ourselves, carry our cross, and be witnesses in the earth.

Prayer

Lord, deliver us from narcissism, self-love, pride, and self-idolatry. Remove anything in us that is rooted in selfishness. Give us a heart of evangelism. Teach us to die to self and live fully unto You. Make us humble, clean vessels that reflect Your love and truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thank you for reading and reflecting.
In Closing,
Tanicia Prioleau
Writer | Publisher | Founder

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