| Spirit-Filled / Charismatic The forum for all charismatic churches and movements. |  | | 
15th May 2011, 04:20 PM
|  | unending love, amazing grace

| | Join Date: 21st May 2007 Location: United States
Posts: 1,654
Blessings: 2,106,752
Reps: 63,539,490,780,491,312 (power: 63,539,490,780,499) | | | Can a TRUE narcissist and/or bigot be a TRUE Christian? if any of you know a narcissist or a bigot, how do you think their relationship with God is? all you have to do is meet enough of them to know that:
(1) has a grandiose sense of the importance of their own race, orientation, belief system (whether religious, political, philosophical, etc.), socio-economic group, etc. (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, etc. of their own race, orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. OR preoccupied with with the ultimate beauty or admiration or widespread sense of righeteousness of the same.
(3) believes that their race, orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with people of similar backgrounds or belief systems (or institutions).
(4) requires from others an excessive admiration from others about their own race, sexual orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc.
(5) has a sense of entitlement for their own race, orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her group’s expectations.
(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others who do not belong to their race, orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. (especially those less acceptable to their social group) to achieve his or her own ends.
(7) lacks empathy towards others who are not part of their race, sexual orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. (i.e., is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of those outside their own or preferred group(s)).
(8) is often envious of those of a different race, sexual orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes toward those of a different race, sexual orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc.
Is it possible to have the Spirit of the Father living within us with the above description? Are these people true Christians when they display those ideals of how they live their life?
There are lots of narcissists/bigots who claim Christianity, but due to their personality, unfortunately are wrapped up in worldly standards instead of the standards God has for us.
How do you think God views narcissists/bigots?
It's my personal belief that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
There are no ands ifs or buts to that statement. This includes everyone. (see my sig.) This is the very reason Jesus died, and if we make exceptions, this depreciates His sacrifice.
However, I also believe with all of my heart other parts of the Bible where it specifically states that we reap what we sow. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."
Narcissism is just a fleshly tendency to elevate yourself above others. If we follow this fleshly tendency its impossible to follow the Spirit at the same time.
What do you think? This is what we deal with, living in the world.
But, like CS Lewis says, if you aim for heaven, you get the world thrown in. If you aim for the world, you get neither.
__________________ People are often unreasonable and self centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, its between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | 
15th May 2011, 04:35 PM
|  | bind on pick up
 | | Join Date: 23rd April 2005
Posts: 8,093
Blessings: 5,454,418 My Mood
Reps: 990,907,167,826,158,080 (power: 990,907,167,826,175) | | | Someone born again will grow to be more Christ-like as time goes on, bust some will be faster or slower than others, but there will be growth.
If there is never any growth at all, there's no reason to call them a Christian in the first place. | 
15th May 2011, 04:40 PM
|  | unending love, amazing grace

| | Join Date: 21st May 2007 Location: United States
Posts: 1,654
Blessings: 2,106,752
Reps: 63,539,490,780,491,312 (power: 63,539,490,780,499) | | |
__________________ People are often unreasonable and self centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, its between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | 
15th May 2011, 08:09 PM
|  | Relationship over Religion 48  | | Join Date: 8th January 2004 Location: California
Posts: 2,634
Blessings: 5,067 My Mood
Reps: 330,030,490,564,028,160 (power: 330,030,490,564,040) | | | God doesn't reject anybody based upon how broken they are when they find Him. The Church however, will reject many because they are unwilling or unable to be as patient as God is when it comes to waiting for visible improvement in the person's life.
__________________ Col 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
"I think a servant of the enemy would look fairer and feel fouler." ~ Frodo Baggins | 
15th May 2011, 08:16 PM
|  | unending love, amazing grace

| | Join Date: 21st May 2007 Location: United States
Posts: 1,654
Blessings: 2,106,752
Reps: 63,539,490,780,491,312 (power: 63,539,490,780,499) | | Originally Posted by Tobias God doesn't reject anybody based upon how broken they are when they find Him. The Church however, will reject many because they are unwilling or unable to be as patient as God is when it comes to waiting for visible improvement in the person's life.
Well maybe the Church, however, shouldn't. I don't know what church youre going to, but I would find another if that was going on
__________________ People are often unreasonable and self centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, its between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | 
15th May 2011, 08:45 PM
|  | unending love, amazing grace

| | Join Date: 21st May 2007 Location: United States
Posts: 1,654
Blessings: 2,106,752
Reps: 63,539,490,780,491,312 (power: 63,539,490,780,499) | | | If narcissists weren't getting a benefit from their beliefs, no matter how destructive, I think a lot more would change a lot faster. However, their relationship with God's got to be number 1 for that to happen
__________________ People are often unreasonable and self centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, its between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | 
16th May 2011, 06:15 PM
|  | Legend 63  | | Join Date: 4th August 2005
Posts: 21,129
Blessings: 105,397,787
Reps: 1,291,973,015,565,829,120 (power: 1,291,973,015,565,858) | | your Op described very well a person i knew for several years.....but she was a Jew, and did not want to hear anything at all about Christ or Christians. She was adamat about it, to the point of leaving the room if it came up in general conversation. 
i've never met another person who was like that.
__________________ Psalms 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. | 
17th May 2011, 12:41 AM
|  | brother

| | Join Date: 24th March 2011 Location: Sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus
Posts: 2,418
Blessings: 1,880,600 My Mood
Reps: 594,281,571,048,538,496 (power: 594,281,571,048,543) | | Any Christian displaying such attitudes are receiving the spirit of the world more than they are the Spirit of God. Someone who knows God is humble before Him, and follows His commands..such as love thy neighbor as yourself. Anyone loving their neighbor wouldn't elevate themselves above their neighbor.
Think about this way..what is the worlds worst sin? It's pride, which is the sin of the devil. These prideful attitudes that you're talking about all resemble the devils sin..so when you see these attitudes in Christians you know they are probably serving two masters. Originally Posted by pinkputter if any of you know a narcissist or a bigot, how do you think their relationship with God is? all you have to do is meet enough of them to know that:
(1) has a grandiose sense of the importance of their own race, orientation, belief system (whether religious, political, philosophical, etc.), socio-economic group, etc. (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, etc. of their own race, orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. OR preoccupied with with the ultimate beauty or admiration or widespread sense of righeteousness of the same.
(3) believes that their race, orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with people of similar backgrounds or belief systems (or institutions).
(4) requires from others an excessive admiration from others about their own race, sexual orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc.
(5) has a sense of entitlement for their own race, orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her group’s expectations.
(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others who do not belong to their race, orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. (especially those less acceptable to their social group) to achieve his or her own ends.
(7) lacks empathy towards others who are not part of their race, sexual orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. (i.e., is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of those outside their own or preferred group(s)).
(8) is often envious of those of a different race, sexual orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc. others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes toward those of a different race, sexual orientation, belief system, socio-economic class, etc.
Is it possible to have the Spirit of the Father living within us with the above description? Are these people true Christians when they display those ideals of how they live their life?
There are lots of narcissists/bigots who claim Christianity, but due to their personality, unfortunately are wrapped up in worldly standards instead of the standards God has for us.
How do you think God views narcissists/bigots?
It's my personal belief that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
There are no ands ifs or buts to that statement. This includes everyone. (see my sig.) This is the very reason Jesus died, and if we make exceptions, this depreciates His sacrifice.
However, I also believe with all of my heart other parts of the Bible where it specifically states that we reap what we sow. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."
Narcissism is just a fleshly tendency to elevate yourself above others. If we follow this fleshly tendency its impossible to follow the Spirit at the same time.
What do you think? This is what we deal with, living in the world.
But, like CS Lewis says, if you aim for heaven, you get the world thrown in. If you aim for the world, you get neither. | 
17th May 2011, 01:10 PM
| | Veteran
 | | Join Date: 3rd August 2007
Posts: 1,274
Blessings: 278,852 My Mood
Reps: 65,790,799,532,487,104 (power: 0) | | | Everyone is vain and bigoted. The only differences are in the degree and acknowledgement of it. | 
17th May 2011, 01:57 PM
|  | unending love, amazing grace

| | Join Date: 21st May 2007 Location: United States
Posts: 1,654
Blessings: 2,106,752
Reps: 63,539,490,780,491,312 (power: 63,539,490,780,499) | | Originally Posted by Enkil Everyone is vain and bigoted. The only differences are in the degree and acknowledgement of it.
yeah, which is why i'm wondering if some one who doesn't acknowledge it .. aka a narcissist or bigot.. is really persuing the Holy Spirit.
that's honestly up to them...if they claim Christianity, they should be living their lives like it. But I will say that knowing some bigots/narcissists who claim Christianity and it makes it really hard to treat them in a Christ-like manner because of their contempt for everyone but themselves.
__________________ People are often unreasonable and self centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, its between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. |  | | | Thread Tools | | | | Display Modes | Linear Mode | | | |