Some folks wear us out. They don’t blink, they are poor sports, they swing moods, or they overstate/understate. They seem to be hiding dark interests. Joanna Ashmun says, “…the most telling thing that narcissists do is contradict themselves.” “They will contradict facts. They will lie to you about things that you did together.” “They will misquote you to yourself. If you disagree with them they will say you are lying, making stuff up, or are crazy.”
I guess we could say that we are an obstacle in the road of certain kinds of self-made persona. We are to go along with their concept of truth or suffer the consequence. Their “truth” is the only truth, their sense of “justice” is the only justice. They bear “absolute understanding.” They have “soul” power.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2Timothy 3:1-5
Check the list and from such turn away, friends. Can they not wear us out? Jesse Penn Lewis says, “’Soul-force’ versus ‘spirit-force’ is the battleground today. The only safety for the child of God is an experimental knowledge of the life in union with Christ, above the poisonous air in which the prince of the power of the air carries on his work.”
From Watchman Nee and his book, “The Latent Power of the Soul;” “We must not use the power that comes from “us.” “Lack of empathy, immature conscience, envious and competitive, critical, passive, naive; they have a set of rules for themselves; while another for you. Ashmun. Sound familiar? How about these? — “Amoral, authoritarian, entitled, grandiose, and hyper-sensitive to criticism.”
But, ,” only the power that comes from the Holy Spirit.” The Precious Holy Spirit brings with Him love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Against such there is no law. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 paraphrase
There is meekness and lowliness of heart with Christ and His wisdom is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:13
Lets summarize our contrast! Quoting again from Watchman Nee, “the meaning of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is independence.” “The tree of life, though, means dependence or reliance on God.” Ashmun’s narcissists “cannot let things take their own course.” They must make things happen. They have no realistic expectation from God, that He is in control. They are themselves hyper-control freaks.
Lastly, God is a just God. People like the concept of reincarnation because little real consequence is levied on sin in the immediate sense. It is the philosophy of “many chances.” Others disdain a strict Biblicist. Too restricting. Still others push “evolution” in which “survival of the fittest,” justifies any means of survival. O we must guard our hearts.
Folks, soul-powered-lover’s-of-self, gain powerful positions because of someone’s lack of discernment. In the last days many will depart from the faith. Many go the way of Baalim, sell their souls for filthy lucre. They suppose ‘gain’ is godliness. Many self-lovers tolerate narcissists because they both love the wrong kind of independence. They don’t want to be held to a standard. 2 Timothy 3:1-5’ers are in public office because others of the same kind promote them in there.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the father but by me.” An egotist? A narcissist? A self lover? No, a lover of truth. He loved righteousness and hated iniquity, therefore was He anointed above all His fellows.
Beloved let us never forget the nature of our God. Surely He will punish the unrighteous, surely there is judgment awaiting all. Thankfully, the greatest act of judgment was shed blood long ago, for every sinner’s salvation. Jesus, Jesus, Wonderful, Merciful Savior. Sadly, the arrogance of self-love will bring anguish and tears to self and others. O, Lord help me to love justice as you. Help me to tell others about the Justice of God before it is too late. Let my love of mercy make me real, honest and uncompromisingly just. Love ya