Centre of Worship & Fire Ministries

11/07/2026

NARCISSISM: A HIDDEN ENEMY OF MANY RELATIONSHIPS TODAY

"In the last days, people will be lovers of themselves..." — 2 Timothy 3:2

Many marriages and relationships are ending today for different reasons. One contributing factor that has become increasingly noticeable is narcissism or strong narcissistic traits.

Not every difficult person is a narcissist, and not every broken relationship is caused by narcissism. However, when these traits are deeply rooted and left unchecked, they can destroy even the strongest relationships.

What is narcissism?

Narcissism is a pattern of excessive self-centeredness in which a person places their own needs, desires, image, and feelings above those of others. Such a person often craves admiration, struggles to empathize with others, and finds it difficult to admit mistakes or accept correction.

A healthy relationship says:

"We."

A narcissistic mindset says:

"Me."

What may cause narcissism?

Although the exact cause is not fully known, researchers believe it may result from a combination of:

• Childhood experiences (either excessive praise or severe neglect and criticism)
• Genetic and personality factors
• Poor emotional development
• A culture that glorifies pride, fame, wealth, and self-promotion
• Unhealed emotional wounds that are never addressed

How narcissistic traits destroy relationships

A relationship cannot thrive where only one person matters.

Common narcissistic traits include:

• Lack of empathy—they rarely understand or value their partner's feelings.
• Constant need for admiration—they always want praise and attention.
• Refusal to admit mistakes—they shift blame instead of taking responsibility.
• Manipulation—they may use guilt, lies, intimidation, or emotional control to get what they want.
• Pride and arrogance—they believe they are always right.
• Control—they want to dominate decisions, finances, friendships, or even their partner's life.
• Sensitivity to correction—even loving advice may be treated as an attack.
• Self-centeredness—the relationship revolves around their needs rather than mutual love.

Over time, the other partner may feel:

Unheard.
Unappreciated.
Emotionally exhausted.
Controlled.
Lonely, even while living with someone.

Without genuine change, love gradually turns into frustration, fear, resentment, or emotional distance.

What does the Bible say?

Long before psychology identified narcissism, the Bible warned about attitudes that resemble many narcissistic traits.

1. Lovers of themselves

2 Timothy 3:1–5

"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud..."

This passage describes attitudes that become common in the last days.

2. Pride

Proverbs 16:18

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

3. Selfish ambition

Philippians 2:3–4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition... but in humility value others above yourselves."

Healthy relationships require humility.

4. Love is not self-seeking

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

"Love is patient, love is kind... it is not proud... it is not self-seeking."

Biblical love seeks the good of the other person.

5. Husbands should love sacrificially

Ephesians 5:25

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her."

True love sacrifices itself instead of demanding that others sacrifice everything for it.

6. Consider others

Romans 12:10

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

7. God opposes pride

James 4:6

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

A word of caution

Not everyone who is proud, selfish, or difficult is a narcissist. Only qualified mental health professionals can diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

However, every one of us should examine our own hearts. Any selfishness, pride, lack of empathy, or refusal to repent can damage relationships if left unchecked.

The solution

Strong relationships are not built on pride but on:

❤️ Humility
❤️ Genuine love
❤️ Empathy
❤️ Forgiveness
❤️ Accountability
❤️ Honest communication
❤️ Mutual respect
❤️ Putting God first

When Christ transforms the heart, He also transforms the way we treat those we love.

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." — Philippians 2:4

21/05/2026

May your years be restored in Jesus' name.
Continue serving God, your crown is waiting for you.

21/05/2026

Be informed, understand the time and act.

13/05/2026

12/05/2026

08/05/2026

In the Gospel of Matthew 13:25, Jesus says:

“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”

This verse is from the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. Jesus later explains that:

The wheat represents the children of the Kingdom.
The tares (weeds) represent the children of the evil one.
The enemy is the devil.
The field is the world.
The harvest is the end of the age.
(See Matthew 13:36–43.)

Meaning of “while men slept”

Spiritually, “sleep” represents:
Lack of vigilance
Spiritual carelessness
Prayerlessness
Ignorance of truth
Moral compromise
Failure of watchmen and leaders

The enemy sowed counterfeit seeds secretly, not openly. The damage began unnoticed.

This is being fulfilled in these days we are living in.

These are some of the ways it is being fulfilled in modern society and even within religious spaces.

1. False teachings mixed with truth

Jesus warned that deception would increase before the end times.
Examples people point to include:

Teachings that remove repentance from the Gospel
Commercialization of ministry
Distortion of Scripture for personal gain
Mixing biblical doctrine with ungodly practices
Preachers who appear righteous outwardly but produce harmful fruit

This reflects tares growing among wheat — imitation that looks similar at first.

2. Moral corruption spreading quietly

Just as tares were planted secretly, destructive influences often enter gradually through:

Entertainment
Social media influence
Political manipulation
Greed and corruption
Normalization of sin
Attacks on truth and integrity

Many believers interpret this as spiritual contamination spreading while society is spiritually “asleep.”

3. Counterfeit Christianity

The parable teaches that not everyone within the visible community of believers truly belongs to Christ.

Jesus emphasized outward appearance is not enough:
Some profess faith but reject obedience
Some use religion for status, money, or influence
Some appear spiritual but oppose truth internally

The wheat and tares grow together for a season, making discernment necessary.

4. Spiritual negligence in believers

The verse is also applied personally.

“While men slept” can describe:
Neglecting prayer
Lack of Bible study
Spiritual complacency
Losing sensitivity to God
Allowing compromise into one’s life

When vigilance decreases, destructive influences can enter unnoticed.

5. End-times deception

It is also connected with broader end-times warnings from Jesus about deception increasing globally.

Other passages often connected to this include:
Matthew 24
2 Timothy 3
2 Thessalonians 2

The idea is that truth and deception will coexist increasingly until final judgment.

Important balance in interpreting this passage

Jesus also gave an important instruction in the same parable:

People were not told to uproot the tares immediately, because they might damage the wheat.

This teaches:

God is the final Judge.
Believers should practice discernment without becoming hateful or paranoid.
Not every weakness or immature believer is a “tare.”
The focus should remain on faithfulness, spiritual fruit, and truth.
Practical application for believers today
Many Christians take this passage as a call to:
Stay spiritually alert
Pray consistently
Study Scripture carefully
Test teachings
Walk in holiness
Develop discernment
Remain faithful even in a corrupt environment

Conclusion
I have noticed a growing trend in many places within our country and even beyond: whenever a godly church is established, a deceptive or false church often emerges nearby.

At first, they appear genuine and begin in a way that does not easily reveal their true intentions. They mix false teachings with truth, making it difficult for people to discern the difference. If someone is not firmly grounded in Christ Jesus and led by the Holy Spirit, they may fail to recognize the deception.

The danger today is that some of these deceptive church leaders are now using public platforms to condemn Christianity itself. Ironically, they use the harmful behaviors within their own circles as examples to portray the entire Christian faith negatively. Some even push for governments to heavily regulate churches in ways that could interfere with genuine Christian worship and teaching.

Their goal is to create a negative image of Christianity and convince people that the faith is false and that God does not exist.

Do not be easily persuaded to abandon your salvation. Remain steadfast in Christ, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, study the Scriptures carefully, and choose wisely the church you attend.

06/05/2026

05/05/2026

Job 22:27-28 You shall make your prayer to Him, and He will hear you; and you shall pay your vows. You shall also decide a thing, and
it will stand for you; and light shall shine on your ways.
Make your prayer today and declare something in your life. Almighty God will make it happen and let His light shine upon your ways.

05/05/2026

Luke 10:19-20
Behold I give authority to you to tread on snakes and scorpions and all the power of the enemy, and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the demons submit to you. But rather rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.

05/05/2026

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2