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Satan is the original and most clear example of a Narcissist / One with insolent pride. (See here for an explanation on why Satan was the original narcissist). By understanding Satan’s insolent pride and his narcissistic traits, we can get another glimpse into the characteristics of narcissists. Here is a partial list of Satan’s narcissistic traits:
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In His teaching He was saying: “Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.”
Mark 12:38-44
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“So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites (i.e. the Pharisees) do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
Matthew 6:2
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[Note: We know Jesus was referring to the scribes and Pharisees when He mentioned “hypocrites” in Matthew 6 because of what it says in Matthew 23 – “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites…… linking the “hypocrite” label to the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes and Pharisees were the narcissists of their day (see here and here and here and here) and are a good case study of narcissistic traits and tactics.]
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Jesus was seeking to protect those who were listening to Him through his cautionary “beware” about the hypocritical scribes (and Pharisees). These narcissists
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Jesus’ listeners needed to be wary of these narcissists not only because of the potential harm they could do through their greedy actions, but also (and even more importantly) because of the terrible example of “faith” which these narcissists were setting. Instead of humbling themselves before the God of the universe, and praying secretly, they were putting on a show for only the exaltation which they would receive from men. Following this supposed spiritual leadership of the scribes would be the opposite of a genuine life of the kind of faith pleasing to God, and spiritually dangerous to any who would follow. Hence Jesus’ warning to “beware”.
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While Jesus did not call out these scribes by name, He did something even better by providing a guideline by which His listeners could recognize these people and others like them – and to prudently be on guard against them and their destructively prideful and self-seeking ways.
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Click here for initial steps on how to know God personally
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Please see Putting “Biblical Perspectives On Narcissism” Into Perspective for an overview of this blog.
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Therefore, hear the word of the Lord, O scoffers,
Who rule this people who are in Jerusalem,Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death,
And with Sheol we have made a pact.
The overwhelming scourge will not reach us when it passes by,
For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception.”Therefore thus says the Lord God,
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone,
A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed.
He who believes in it will not be disturbed.Isaiah 28:14-16
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.You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.John 8:44
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They cannot stand being wrong, and will twist facts and even lie to themselves to prove to themselves and others that they are right. Their mental processes revolve around their self-exaltation, not around whether they are telling the truth. They don’t think in terms of truth telling – they think in terms of exalting themselves.
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Narcissists live in a world of untruth – about themselves, their circumstances, others, …. and God.
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Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant
Than he who honors himself and lacks bread.Proverbs 12:9
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29 And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 5:29-32
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The Pharisees were jealous that Jesus, instead of themselves, was getting the attention and honor from a great crowd at this reception organized especially for Him. Rather than recognize their own jealously, they began to sneeringly condemn and criticize everyone else at the reception. They took a condescending, judgmental, holier-than-thou attitude toward the entire crowd by labeling them all as sinners, and then arrogantly judged Jesus for not separating from the guests. They showed their insincere cowardice by whispering against Jesus behind his back instead of directly addressing him with their concerns. This was all an arrogant outflowing of their jealously – cloaked as “holiness”.
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Jesus knew about the Pharisees grumbling to His disciples. He could have rebuked them for the jealously at the root of their comments, or for their insolent pride at looking down their nose at virtually everyone in the room. However, instead of getting down in the mud with the Pharisees, He pointed them and anyone else listening to a much higher point – the need for everyone who was willing to recognize (by admitting they were spiritually “sick”) their need for repentance. The Pharisees in their pride would, of course, not recognize their need, and therefore would not receive healing.
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This was a subtle rebuke to the Pharisees’s self-centered blind jealously, and in the process, Jesus communicated to His listening disciples His willingness to engage with people for their benefit. And in the process, He demonstrated Proverbs 26:4-5:
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Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Or you will also be like him.
Answer a fool as his folly deserves,
That he not be wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 26:4-5
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Click here for steps on how to know GOD personally
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Putting “Biblical Perspectives On Narcissism” Into Perspective
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The Pharisees are a prominent example of Insolent Pride / Narcissism in the Bible (see here and here). They were described as “scoffers” in Isaiah 28, and “scoffers” are one of the “names” given to those with insolent pride – [“‘Proud’, ‘haughty’, ‘scoffer’ are his names who acts with insolent pride” – Proverbs 21:24]. And insolent pride = narcissism (see here).
A prime characteristic of a scoffer is that they set themselves up as judge over others, based on an arbitrary standard of their own creation. They will not try to keep their own standard, as they see themselves as above the rules. And they will change the standard as necessary to suit their primary objective of being “above” others (that’s one of the reasons its an “arbitrary” standard). The imperative of scoffers / insolent pride / narcissists is to maintain their superiority over others.
Here are some examples of the Pharisees acting as judge:
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When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”
Matthew 9:11
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The Pharisees set an implied arbitrary rule as to who “righteous” people should eat with, and then judged Jesus against that rule]
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Then the disciples of John *came to Him, asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”
Matthew 9:14
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The Pharisees took something they were doing (fasting), and turned it into a standard they could use with which to judge others]
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But the Pharisees were saying, “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.”
Matthew 9:34
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Rather than carefully exploring how Jesus was able to cast out demons, the Pharisees jumped to the conclusion that since Jesus’ power could not be from God (based on the Pharisees’ own pre-determined view), it had to come from Satan. Since falsely attributing Jesus’ miracles to Satan’s power would clearly undermine Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees were quick to take the opportunity to do this.
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But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.”
Matthew 12:2
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The Pharisees were interpreting the law according to their own opinion, and using their interpretation as the basis for judging Jesus]
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But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.”
Matthew 12:24
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Once again, rather than honestly exploring the true source Jesus’ ability to cast out demons, the Pharisees were quick to judge and condemn Him, based on an interpretation that would most fully demean and undermine Jesus.
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See here for initial steps on how to know God personally
* Narcissism is the colloquial secular term for what the Bible refers to as “insolent pride”.
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A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”Proverbs 13;1.
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The end result in each case was the narcissist pushing ahead, and running into a set of consequences – which among other things further isolated them. Of course, even then they were not able to learn from what happened (see “they never learn”)
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While it may not be obvious through a cursory look, Cain was likely the first human narcissist (Satan was the very first narcissist, see here). Let’s go through the Biblical evidence:
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The first clue that Cain was a narcissist with insolent pride is found here:
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“not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.”I John 3:12
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”John 8:44
not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.
but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.Genesis 4:5.
If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”Genesis 4:7.
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Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Genesis 4:8
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”Genesis 4:9
.Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is too great to bear! 14 Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground (NOT true)
“and from Your face I will be hidden” (NOT true)
and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” (a grossly overstated fear)Genesis 4:13
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I was walking down the street pondering Proverb 14:6 – “A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none…”. A scoffer is someone who acts with insolent pride. Somehow their pride gets in the way of actually gaining wisdom (refer to the blog post Narcissism = Insolent Pride). While I was thinking about that, the verse “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” came to me. That phrase is actually in 3 separate verses:
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The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
Psalm 111:10
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The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7
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The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
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She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her.
Proverbs 3:15
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He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.
Proverbs 19:8
.Narcissists (people with insolent pride) may look to become “wise”, but as long as they seek to be the “center of the universe” rather than “allowing” God to be God, they will just not “get” what they are reading. I personally know of a famous end-of-the-world predictor (famously wrong). His family attested to the fact that he studied the Bible all the time, but also lived in a way obviously full of insolent pride. He was “always learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth.”
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Another example is when an unrepentant narcissist reads Jesus’ words that “he who wishes to be great among you must be the servant of all”, and cannot bring himself to accept that statement for himself while applying it others. Any desire he has for wisdom, is thwarted by his own self-centeredness and pride.
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See here for initial steps on how to know God personally
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. * Narcissism is the modern colloquial term for what the Bible calls “insolent pride” – see here
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Continuing in our case study of Haman. Even though Haman had achieved “everything”, he was obsessed with the one thing he didn’t have – Mordecai’s recognition of Haman’s “glory”. That is typical of narcissists* – they can have everything going “right” in their world, but in the middle of that will obsess about one little slight that they think they have received from someone.
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3 After these events King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and established his authority over all the princes who were with him. All the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman; for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage……….When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage.
Esther 3:1-5
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This happened more than once.
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9 Then Haman went out that day glad and pleased of heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate and that he did not stand up or[tremble before him, Haman was filled with anger against Mordecai. Haman controlled himsef, however, went to his house and sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh.
Then Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, and the number of his sons, and every instance where the king had magnified him and how he had promoted him above the princes and servants of the king. Haman also said, “Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king.
Yet all of this does not satisfy me every time I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”
Esther 5:9-13
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By his own words, even though the king promoted Haman to 2nd in command in the kingdom, Haman said, “yet all of this does not satisfy me every time I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate”.
One prime characteristic of one with insolent pride (narcissists) is that they want it ALL, they are never completely satisfied, they want to be unquestionably #1 with no exceptions, they want everyone’s love and admiration. This drive is so entrenched in their hearts that they obsess over any “slight” that challenges it.
A story circulated a years ago about a famous, obviously narcissistic politician who could be in a room of admirers, but would spend an entire evening trying to win over the one person in the room whom he sensed had less than complete admiration. He could not tolerate less than complete admiration.
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When they are slighted it can lead to anger, and even retribution, as Haman’s case study shows.
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* Narcissist is the modern colloquial term for what the Bible calls “insolent pride” please see here for an explanation
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Narcissists (the secular term for scoffers or those with insolent pride) act to achieve their self-exalting, self-centered goals, but then aggressively avoid blame when called to account for their actions. The Pharisees provide a prominent case study. They stirred up the crowds against Jesus…..
.20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate *said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all *said, “Crucify Him!” And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!”
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!”
Matthew 27:20-25
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But when Peter and other apostles publicly shared the gospel, the religious leaders objected greatly to being accused of their complicity in the death of Jesus.
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27 When they had brought them [Peter and others], they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
Acts 5:27-28
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Those who have dealt with narcissists* most likely have experienced a situation where the narcissist accused you of a negative character trait or action, while at the same time they were far more guilty of the very same trait. Yes, there may have been a speck of truth in what they said, as none of us are perfect and “we all stumble in many ways“. But you may have been dumbfounded that someone who had the same issue in multiples would feel justified in attacking you for your little speck.
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Secular literature in the field of psychology has termed this behavior “projection”. Continue reading
John 9:39-41
39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.
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One of the primary traits of the narcissistic Pharisees was their attitude of moral superiority and refusal to acknowledge that they had any sin – even though their inward lives were full of sin. In this they deceived and lied to both themselves and others. This can also be seen in Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 23:25-28, and Matthew 9:10-13.
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M Scott Peck was a psychiatrist whose personal journey ultimately led him to commit to Christianity. By observation and analysis, through the lens of Christianity, he reached the same conclusion that Jesus had already made clear above.
Following are excerpts from a book he wrote on the subject
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Narcissists will conceal their intentions, their heart, and their actions to make sure things look good while still working toward their goal of self-exaltation and dominance. However, while they may hide their intentions for awhile, once they feel they are in a position to truly “go for it” they will discard their mask and fully show their true colors. They likely showed glimpses of their true nature before taking their mask off, but when given the opportunity they revealed themselves fully. This is true of many prominent megalomaniacs in the past, but you likely also see examples much closer to home:
Proverbs hints at this phenomena of people showing their true colors when given the chance:
Under three things the earth quakes,
And under four, it cannot endure:
Under a slave when he becomes king,
And a fool when he is satisfied with food,
Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
And a female servant when she dispossesses her mistress.Proverbs 30:23
Biblical examples might include
Again, the devil *took Him along to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”
Matthew 4:8-9
It IS a mask they wear, as narcissists are hypocrites. The very definition of the word “hypocrite” is wearing a mask to cover intentions and behavior.
Proverbs says that charm is deceitful (Proverbs 31:30), and that scoffers (narcissists) are flatterers. They will use those tactics to “win you over”, but after they have accomplished that the mask will come off and they will begin to reveal their true nature and agenda.
This underscores the importance of keen discernment in looking for the clues ahead of time, and avoiding the consequences
A prudent person sees evil and hides himself, But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.Proverbs 22:3
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Once N’s have their hooks in and feel they are in a position of power – whether personally or at a geopolitical level, they are much more difficult to deal with. It is better to recognize the clues early, and take action early (like steering clear), than to wait until their mask comes off.
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Click here for initial steps to know God personally
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You may occasionally be surprised when a narcissistic “friend” fails to be happy for, or even acknowledge, some accomplishment in your life. An exception might occur if they have already done the same thing before you, or at a higher level than you. In that case, your accomplishment provides them with the opportunity to boast about what they did first or better.
Two examples from narcissists in the Bible illustrate this point:
The first came from Jesus’ parable of the “prodigal son”, where Jesus described the narcissistic brother of the lost son this way as the prodigal son returned:
“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’
But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;
Luke 15:25-29
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The older brother – who owned the full remaining inheritance after his little brother squandered his portion – was focused on what he did not get instead of celebrating his brother’s return.
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Another prime example is the Pharisees’ unwillingness to acknowledge the Messiah – Jesus – when He came. They were jealous of His success and chided each other for losing their status among the people,
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For this reason [the healing of Lazarus] also the people went to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are not accomplishing anything; look, the world has gone after Him!”
John 12:18-19
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in another instance, instead of being happy when a man was healed on a Sabbath (John 5:1-18), the Pharisees immediately began to criticize that it had happened on the Sabbath – looking for some spurious reason with which to undermine the miracle.
Failure to acknowledge another’s success – or going further to tear down or undermine it fits with the narcissistic modus operandi – in the insolent pride of their heart they must be first, best, top dog, ahead of you. Everyone else’s purpose is to support their exaltation – and nothing less can be tolerated.
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In contrast to the Pharisees, John (the Baptist) – whom Jesus described as the greatest man who ever lived (Matthew 11:11) – readily deferred to Jesus when He came on the scene:
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And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:26-30
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To those who have experienced this – we need not worry. God sees and rewards actions which flow out of a right heart of love, and even if a narcissist ignores, discounts, or destroys your accomplishment in the eyes of man, God will have the last say – as He always does.
We do not need to defend ourselves or make sure we are acknowledged or recognized – God will take care of that in His way and in His time. Ultimately God wants others to see that the true accomplishment was Him working in our lives – demonstrating it in a way that points people to Him, so that they can also experience His love and goodness for them.
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Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
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