Nipping at Narcissism
By Shawn Michael Shoup on November 28 2012
Our culture seems to really buy into the "life is all about me" mentality. They think they are entitled to every latest gadget or bit of technology, the most recent clothes, all of the peripherals, a freedom to do whatever they want and an attitude that screams "I am awesome!" to boot.
Now, we really can't place too much blame. These learned responses are largely because it is how our American culture teaches them to behave. A culture that we've helped shape.
Especially when you go back to my generation, the X'ers, you can plainly see the pimping of the whole "live your life the way you want" philosophy. There's nothing wrong with empowerment or a healthy self-identity. But there is a point where the line crosses from empowerment to a selfish sense of entitlement. Statements about this "me mentality" have become poster-graphics plastered all over social networks and are largely viewed as inspirational in nature. That's cool and all, but it bothers me a bit in context.
One of the most often and subtle ways that the enemy tries to influence followers of Christ is to make us believe that life is "all about us". Would you agree that there are a ton of slogan pics and quotes that seem to like lean towards this worldview? I think most post, share and "like" them because they feel empowering -- they make us feel good about ourselves. But maybe it's time to look at this from the other side of the coin, per se.
As believers, our life simply isn't our own. It's surrendered. And everything we do, every choice we make is under the banner of "What do You want me to do, God?" I understand that the world-at-large doesn't see through that lens and that's why they see all of the "me" statements as liberating. But I throw out caution because it is a world bent on pleasing themselves, looking at the opposite sex as objects and doing whatever feels best at the moment. That's the slippery slope I don't want to see us lose a generation to...
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow Me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? Matthew 16-24-26 MSG
Comments
From Derick Brown on November 28, 2012
This has been a recurring theme in my youth meetings as of late.
The fact is, this thing (life, christianity, what have you) is not about you or me, but about Christ and His love for the world.
Great post!
From Shawn Michael Shoup on November 28, 2012
Thanks, Derick.
Yeah, I’m generally not the ranting type, but this has just been eating at me lately. Seems like it has been epidemic in our culture and I hope to see it change. It starts with us!
From Youth Ministry Ideas on December 01, 2012
Yeah, the problem is definitely getting worse. I was just thinking the other day the following verse:
Matthew 10:22
New Century Version (NCV)
22 All people will hate you because you follow me, but those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.
It’s an interesting verse because - are people hating you because of your faith? Nobody likes to be hated - after all this is the time of the infamous “like”. People want to be liked. Christians want people to like them. Youth want people to like them and they want to please themselves as well.
Facebook is very much a me me me thing it seems sometimes, but we can’t just focus on the bad as well. We are called to love God and love Others and it starts with ME - and that’s the only positive ME statement I can think of lol.
From Shawn Michael Shoup on December 01, 2012
Thanks for sharing, Steve. It’s hard not to notice America’s self-centered culture when visiting other countries. We have DEFINITELY created a ME culture.
And, I agree. Changing it starts with ME. Good thoughts.
