“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”

 

The term Narcissism comes from Greek mythology. Narcissus loved himself. This person saw his image in a pond and fell in love with himself. It is called mythology, but Narcissus is alive and doing quite well. It would have been ironic if the story ended this way:  Narcissus looked and beheld his reflection in the pond. Having immediately fallen in love with himself, he jolted forward to kiss the image, and he drowned and is now dead.

Narcissism is a “personality disorder,” it often accompanies sociopathology.  Hence the term, sociopathic with narcissistic features.

The marks or traits or characteristics of this disorder is:
Arrogant
Self-centered-ness
Manipulative
Demanding
intolerant of others
Special-ness
Needs attention
They think they can only be understood by other special persons, like themselves.

This trait is present in the world and the church. The traits are spiritually/genetically passed down from the devil. This trait is pride to the infinite power, “I am special and there is no one like me.” This is called a psychological disorder in the world. In Christ, Our World, it is called marks of the fall. All the tendencies are germane to their father, the devil. We find this trait (not disorder) in Scripture.

Pharaoh, King Saul, and as quoted above, Diotrephes all fall under this trait from the fall. This trait is seen in some actors, some politicians…even in some local churches. This can be irritating to others, but beyond annoyance, this mark from the fall can be very dangerous. This person can and will treat you well as long as you are useful, you will be drawn to him, but when your use is finished, you are no more than a tissue tossed into the wind.

How do we interact with the Narcissus?  One must first (1st) identify the marks. After recognizing this mark, one will make a decision, break off the relationship or stay and fix him. The former is better and much safer, the former is dangerous and can ruin lives, not only of the one, but family and friends are subject to his destructiveness.

Saul whines and asks why no one cares for him, Diotrephes will not allow someone superior to himself into, his church.    The Pharaoh will see his kingdom fall before he gives in to the Creator. This type of person will seek not the kingdom of God, but will seek a kingdom unto himself. This person will want to make others into his own image.

This person is the antithesis to what a Christ-ian is to be. Christ’s elect look to be a blessing and not to demand a blessing. The Christ-ian is not about attention unto themselves but attention and acknowledgment to Christ.

Note, if you spell his name backward it spells,  Sussisran…Running for success.
“He that believeth shall not make haste.”

Be ye vigilant, therefore and be steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord.