MONDAY 17/3/2025 EXCESSIVE LOVERS OF THEMSELVES
2 Timothy 3 verses 1 to 5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
Excessive self-love has become a popular concept in the world of self-development. While having a healthy self-image is important, the Bible warns against a love of self that diminishes others and takes God’s place in our lives. Narcissism, or an obsession with self-glorification, destroys relationships and hardens the heart against God’s voice.
In our text, Paul warns that the last days will be marked by people who love themselves above all else. This kind of self-glorification is a sign of moral decay, leading to greed, arrogance, and a lack of empathy. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time were a prime example of this. They had an outward appearance of godliness, but their hearts were full of pride and self-interest. Paul warns us not only to avoid such people but also to guard our own hearts against becoming like them.
Narcissists place themselves at the centre of the universe and expect others to revolve around them. They manipulate their environment to prioritize their needs and desires above all else. In relationships, this often means ignoring the opinions and wishes of others. They believe they are always right, that their desires take precedence, and that other people exist only to serve their agenda.
Ironically, most narcissists despise themselves. Because they lack a true sense of identity, they construct a false image of themselves—a kind of “idol” that must be worshiped by others. They crave admiration and loyalty but show no genuine love or empathy in return. This is an empty existence that often leads to broken relationships and a disconnection from true, deep fellowship with others and with God.
As Christians, we are called to a different path. Jesus showed us what true love and humility mean when He washed the feet of His disciples and sacrificed Himself on the cross for those who rejected Him. True love is not about placing ourselves above others but about living in service to others. We were not created to worship our own egos but to reflect God’s image in others and treat them with respect and love.
Two Lessons
- True love is selfless. Even Jesus, the Son of God, came to serve rather than to be served (Mark 10v45). If we want to understand true love, we must focus on giving rather than taking.
- Self-glorification leads to destruction. Narcissism may seem successful for a time, but it ultimately leads to isolation and spiritual emptiness. Humility brings true blessing and fulfilment.
PRAYER Lord, You did not create us to place ourselves above all else but to walk in Your love and treat others with respect and humility. Help me to lay down the desire for self-glorification and instead embrace Your grace as my true identity. Do not let me become so obsessed with my own desires and ego that I ignore Your voice in my life. Teach me to have a heart of service and true love, as You intended. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may be a witness of Your humility and grace. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN