-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
March 28, 2009
|-- This Week's Bestsellers at ChristianBook.com: ---------|
Find the bestselling Christian books at Christianbook.com.
Updated every week! Just click the links below:
Bestsellers: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/168/
Just Added: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/169/
Christianbook.com: http://ads.heartlight.org/email/170/
|------------------------------------------------------------|
=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
And the Cure Is ..., by Ron Rose
Preparation
It seems to me that we are living in a time of expanding narcissism. In
the search for more confidence and independence, a growing number of
both sexes and all ages are basking in the glow of their own
self-importance. I have seen it for years in the media, but now it's
appearing in limited engagements all around me.
Even our current technology signals this attention to self: MySpace,
YouTube. Researchers claim, "This self-promotion might be helpful in
social networking and auditioning for 'American Idol,' but a serious
problem for close relationships." Really!
So, do you know a narcissist? Do the following symptoms remind you of
anyone?
* Exaggerates self importance
* Forces friends and family to earn his or her love and affection
* Is afraid to trust others
* Takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
* Is unwilling to feel empathy
* Tries to controls all situations and relationships
* Is jealous and possessive
* Expects others to take responsibility for making him or her feel
better
* Unwilling to commit to anything outside self
* Has a "the world revolves around me" attitude
* Is unwilling to confess personal problems or issues
If indeed there is a growing number of narcissists living in our
neighborhoods and attending our churches, what can we do about it? The
social scientists are unsure of and doubtful of any obvious remedies
for this condition.
Jesus knows what to do. He took 12 self-focused men and transformed
them. It didn't happen overnight, but he changed these argumentative,
controlling, distrusting, impetuous, self-absorbed followers into
humble faith giants.
So, what is the secret of this miraculous change? Personal time with
Jesus -- worship! In fact, it is one of the reasons Christians meet
together as often as they do. We need more time with Jesus ... more
praise time ... more time getting to know him, being transformed by
him.
So, how does that work? Full participation in weekly praise gatherings
will dismantle our growing glut of narcissists. True praise gatherings
begin with an attitude of awe. When the created and the creator come
together there is always a renewed awareness of spiritual realities.
God is God and we are not. This moment of awareness ignites an
overwhelming need to confess our attempts to replace the God who made
us. We are humbled! God is lifted!
God designed it so that our praise gatherings help us get the focus off
of ourselves and onto him. In fact, only the humble enjoy worship.
Find a gathering that consistently focuses on God; your faith will
enjoy the refreshment and you will grow immune to the current plague.
Inspiration
The sanctuary was crowded. As usual the back rows were packed. Even
though the audience was mostly white, middle class, and aging church
members, there was an undercurrent of tension and awkwardness. A spirit
of fearfulness had descended on the congregation over the years; yet,
hidden in the hearts of many believers was a growing desire for
something more. Secretly they were looking for more AWE -- a little
dose of amazement.
The preacher stopped in the middle of the sermon and walked out to the
front steps of the stage. Then he lifted his hand; he lifted it high,
like he wanted the teacher to call on him ... like he knew the answer.
Then with his hand still lifted he asked the audience to stand.
I'm humbled by praise and I need it.
Within a few moments everyone was up, even the grumblers in the back
felt the pressure to stand.
"Thank you for standing. Now I have one more request. I want everyone
in the room to take whatever steps are necessary to get as close to my
hand as possible. Please do it for me. There is a point in all this."
With frowns and grumbling from the back, the crowd moved to the front
and in from the sides.
Then once again he spoke, "Please move closer, as close as you can
get."
After a few more minutes of shuffling and mumbling the church had
responded to his request and stood tightly grouped completely
surrounding him. There were no spaces between anyone.
Before the claustrophobics in the crowd could get too flustered, the
preacher announced, "Have you noticed what has happened here? When you
got closer to my hand you had to get closer to each other. It's the
same with the kingdom. When God draws you closer to himself, you have
to get closer to each other. That's why we are here. Now, go in peace."
The strange thing was that the people didn't leave. They hugged and
talked and some even prayed. And God smiled.
Motivation
I have a growing need for more praise time. How about you? In this
narcissistic culture I can't get by with just a weekly praise
gathering. I am beginning to understand why the early Christians met
together daily.
Gather a collection of praise songs, ones that focus on the power and
might and wonder and grace of our father-God. Find a time each day and
lift your hand; imagine God calling on you to sing. Sing your heart
out. If your time is commute time, lift your fingers and feel the
fingerprints of God.
He is God and we are not. I'm humbled by praise and I need it.
Visit the i2eye page, take the challenge, and see what God does with 21
days.
---------
(c) 2009 FaithFitness and Ron Rose <ron@faithteam.org>.
RELATED LINKS:
* Praise and Perspective
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200709/20070930_perspective.html
* God Demands Respect
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200102/20010216_diary35.html
* Praise the Lord
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200712/20071202_praisethelord.html
* Faith Team
http://www.faithteam.org
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200903/20090328_narcissism.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
TWO HEARTS PRAYING AS ONE, by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
"Praying together may be the single most important spiritual discipline
you and your spouse will ever share," say the Raineys--it reduces
conflicts and safeguards marriages from divorce.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?251
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
HEARTLIGHT DAILY EMAIL /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/ \/
Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus music,
devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
ABOUT HEARTLIGHT:
Heartlight, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) religious non-profit organization.
Donations are welcome and tax-deductible! Find out how to help!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
EDITOR: Phil Ware, phil@heartlight.org
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-heartlight@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
heartlight-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
======================================================================
