How is it possible that we have come to a time in history where a large part of society could be considered narcissistic? The Webster dictionary describes a narcissist as a “an extremely self-centered person who has an exaggerated sense of self importance“. Of course, clinically it advances into behavior of manipulation, a lack of empathy and a great need for validation. Culturally it has become increasingly recognized as a direct result of social media and its psychological impact. You could even say it’s a kind of tribal narcissism, out of which a person needs to rise up out of the crowd.
I saw an article today about a man who climbed a 280 foot bridge to protest Trump, A.I. and the Iran war. Now, he can certainly be against all of these things, and it is his right to do so. However, in reality, is climbing a bridge as a statement really just about him? Will his actions change anything? Does he just want to be seen? This brings us to the crux of the matter.
The word that flashes like a neon sign above it all is LOST. We now have a culture that is absolutely lost in a sea of overwhelming chaos. It is raging so fast and furious that all the healthy tethers of morality, decency, and goodness, have snapped from their moorings. The narcissistic gaslighting shouts that this is the only way to succeed. Aggression, violence, and even murder is justifiable. This, in an interview, from the mouths of some NYU students the other day. It seems to be a consensus spread across the globe.
It begs the question, “do you matter“? Isn’t that really what all these deafening voices are asking? The need to become more and more outrageous escalates just to be heard over the thunderous roars. It honestly makes me want to cry. If I look beneath their projected harsh and bewildering persona, I do believe I would find a sad and lonely soul. When there are no solid truths to hold onto anymore, a desperate hand will grasp onto anything in the hope to survive.
Unfortunately, a cultural revolution will not solve the problem. I think we have seen this movie before. Nothing external can assuage the aching need to be seen as a significant, living, breathing, human being in an angry sea of uncertainty. Fifteen minutes of fame is like a liferaft riddled with pinholes. Eventually, it deflates, and the grasping hand is desperate, once again, lost at sea.
Hope is not lost though. There is one person who can calm the raging seas of heart and mind. He is the only one who ever walked upon the uproar without sinking into it. He sees you. And you matter. His hand is reaching down because you are valuable. Not because you are a celebrity, or pre-eminent, or even distinct, but because he made you. His Creator eyes see the very essence of who you are – – and he loves you. That’s it! No antics needed, no cosplay, no megaphones, no bridge climbing. His name is Jesus. He was humble, gentle, and he died for you. That makes you significant. And when you grasp his hand, that love will seep down deep and calm your seas.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” ..”I am the way, the truth and the life.”
John 14:1 ,6
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!”
Psalms 139:13-17
““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27
