Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Being self-centered refers to an excessive focus on oneself, prioritizing personal desires, needs, and interests above those of others. It is characterized by a lack of consideration for others and an inflated sense of one's own importance. In a biblical context, self-centeredness is often associated with pride, selfishness, and a departure from the virtues of humility and selflessness that Scripture advocates.
Biblical References and Teachings:1.
Pride and Selfishness: The Bible frequently warns against pride and selfishness, which are core components of being self-centered.
Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the destructive nature of pride, a common trait in self-centered individuals.
2.
The Greatest Commandments: Jesus emphasized love for God and others as the greatest commandments, which inherently oppose self-centeredness. In
Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus says, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" These commandments call for a focus on God and others rather than oneself.
3.
The Example of Christ: Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of selflessness.
Philippians 2:3-5 instructs believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." This passage encourages believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who exemplified humility and self-sacrifice.
4.
Warnings Against Self-Centeredness: The apostle Paul warns against self-centered behaviors in his letters. In
2 Timothy 3:1-2 , he writes, "But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy." This passage lists self-love as a characteristic of people in the last days, indicating its negative connotation.
5.
The Call to Self-Denial: Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, a direct counter to self-centeredness. In
Luke 9:23 , He says, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." This call to self-denial is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, requiring believers to put aside personal desires in favor of God's will.
6.
Love and Service: The Bible encourages love and service to others as antidotes to self-centeredness.
Galatians 5:13 states, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This verse underscores the importance of using one's freedom to serve others, reflecting a selfless attitude.
Consequences of Self-Centeredness:Self-centeredness can lead to broken relationships, spiritual stagnation, and a lack of fulfillment. It is contrary to the biblical call to community and love.
James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This highlights the chaos and moral decay that can result from self-centered attitudes.
Conclusion:The Bible consistently presents self-centeredness as a vice that hinders spiritual growth and community harmony. Believers are called to emulate Christ's example of humility and selflessness, prioritizing love for God and others above personal interests.
Topical Bible Verses
James 3:15This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Topicalbible.orgPhilippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
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Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
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Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
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Luke 1:51
He has showed strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
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Library
Whether an Angel by Natural Love Loves God More than He Loves...
... comprised, because every creature in regard to its entirebeing naturally belongs
to... Reply to Objection 3: Nature's operation isself-centered not merely as to...
Warp-Threads.
... Jerusalem was meant to be the gateway to the world. The irony of sin! The
blinding of greed! Theself-cheating ofbeing self-centered!...
Prayer and Humility
... himself over toself-praise, isself-centered, and goes... humility, thisself-applauding,
thisself-exaltation, which... man of Christ's day frombeing accepted of...
The Acquirement of Spiritual Power
... He is continually scheming as to how he may protect himself against his enemies,
being tooself-centered to perceive that he is his own enemy....
The Speaking Voice
... things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen,being understood
by the... When God spoke out of heaven to our Lord,self-centered men who heard it...
The Right to a Normal Home Life
... Or the work isbeing expanded, and the older workers are scattered farther afield...
home first, not the work"if that home had become aself-centered thing, a...
The Two Masters,Self and Truth
... Truth,being unchangeable and eternal, is independent of your opinion and of mine...
ever seeking to gain your own ends,self-indulgent, andself-centered; or are...
Egg-Shell Christians
... If you are so sensitive, alwaysbeing wounded and offended,self... thoughts and your
interests are no longercentered upon yourself, andself no longer...
Third Sunday Before Lent
... are a fine thrust at ambitious andself-centered preachers and... terrify the pride,
false wisdom andself-will; to... at various times, the last signbeing given by...
The Price of Power.
... Its opposite,self-forgetful,being full of forgetting one'sself in thinking of
others... The wordsself-centered, andself-willed, are as familiar and suggestive...
Resources
In what ways is being a Christian difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a good student? | GotQuestions.orgIs being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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