// <javascript:%20void(0)>

//
<#> <http://www.ibelieve.com/>
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Faith <http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/>
Relationships <http://www.ibelieve.com/relationships/>
Health & Beauty <http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/>
Food & Home <http://www.ibelieve.com/food-home/>
Motherhood <http://www.ibelieve.com/motherhood/>
Career & Calling <http://www.ibelieve.com/career-calling/>
Inspirations <http://www.ibelieve.com/inspirations/>
Blogs <http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/>
Video <http://www.ibelieve.com/video/>
Devotionals <http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/>
Contact Us <http://www.ibelieve.com/feedback.html>

5 Warning Signs of a Spiritual Narcissist

Tweet <https://twitter.com/share>
Menu <javascript:void(0);>
iBelieve.com <http://www.ibelieve.com/>
* Topics // <javascript:void(0);>
o Faith <http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/>
o Relationships <http://www.ibelieve.com/relationships/>
o Health & Beauty <http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/>
o Food & Home <http://www.ibelieve.com/food-home/>
o Motherhood <http://www.ibelieve.com/motherhood/>
o Career & Calling <http://www.ibelieve.com/career-calling/>
* Inspirations <http://www.ibelieve.com/inspirations/>
* Blogs <http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/>
* Video <http://www.ibelieve.com/video/>
* Devotionals <http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/>
* Contact Us <http://www.ibelieve.com/feedback.html>
Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/iBelievedotcom> Twitter
<http://twitter.com/ibelievecom> Pinterest
<http://pinterest.com/ibelievecom/> Rss <http://www.ibelieve.com/rss/>
Search <javascript:void(0);>
<javascript:void(0);>
* Topics // <javascript:void(0);>
o Faith <http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/>
o Relationships <http://www.ibelieve.com/relationships/>
o Health & Beauty <http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/>
o Food & Home <http://www.ibelieve.com/food-home/>
o Motherhood <http://www.ibelieve.com/motherhood/>
o Career & Calling <http://www.ibelieve.com/career-calling/>
* Inspirations <http://www.ibelieve.com/inspirations/>
* Blogs <http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/>
* Video <http://www.ibelieve.com/video/>
* Devotionals <http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/>
* Contact Us <http://www.ibelieve.com/feedback.html>
*
*
*
*
*
*

Faith <http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/>
Relationships <http://www.ibelieve.com/relationships/>
Health & Beauty <http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/>
Food & Home <http://www.ibelieve.com/food-home/>
Motherhood <http://www.ibelieve.com/motherhood/>
Career & Calling <http://www.ibelieve.com/career-calling/>

*
*
*
*
*

Inspirations <http://www.ibelieve.com/inspirations/>
Blogs <http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/>
Video <http://www.ibelieve.com/video/>
Devotionals <http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/>
Contact Us <http://www.ibelieve.com/feedback.html>

5 Warning Signs of a Spiritual Narcissist

* Ryan Duncan Crosswalk.com Entertainment Editor
* 2015 Aug 21
5 Warning Signs of a Spiritual Narcissist
Tweet <https://twitter.com/share>
Email <javascript:%20void(0);>
Print
/Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see
whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into
the world./ - 1 John 4:1
Its sad to say, but not everyone who claims to be Christian is really a
follower of Christ. Many are simply pursuing their own agendas, be it
money, fame, or political influence. These false disciples come in many
shapes and forms, but perhaps none is more dangerous as the Spiritual
Narcissist. A Spiritual Narcissist is someone who uses the Gospel to
build themselves up while they tear others down. If left unchecked,
their actions can inflict devastating harm on both Christians and
non-Christians alike.
Below are five warning signs that you may be dealing with a Spiritual
Narcissist,
*1.) They Constantly Reference their own Achievements*
The Spiritual Narcissist loves to self-promote. For them, every
conversation is an opportunity to share just how superior they are to
the average believer. They typically go about this by listing off their
own achievements. Youll hear them talk incessantly about their upcoming
book, their latest blog post, sermon series, missions work, or that time
*/they/* led someone to Christ. Scripture tells us not seek our own
glory and to let our work stand on its own (Proverbs 27:2
<http://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/27-2.html>), but the Spiritual
Narcissist will flaunt anything they believe might bring them praise.
The best way for Christians to counter this display is to follow the
example of Micah 6:8 <http://www.biblestudytools.com/micah/6-8.html>,
live justly, show mercy, and walk humbly with the LORD your God.
*2.) They Invade Conversations*
The Spiritual Narcissist craves control, and their highest authority is
always their own self-reference. As a result, its not uncommon for them
to invade the personal or private conversations of others. Theyll often
do this under the guise of helping or correcting fellow Christians,
but they have no real interest in two-way dialogue. Youll notice they
also have a way of injecting their own opinions into situations, and are
the first voice their complaints about recent events in the Church. The
Bible warns that such people create division among believers and serve
only their own appetites (Romans 16:17-18

<http://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/passage/?q=romans+16:17-18>,
Psalms 36:1-4
<http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/passage/?q=psalm+36:1-4>).
Theres no good way to speak with Spiritual Narcissists (Proverbs 26:4-5
<http://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/passage/?q=proverbs+26:4-5>),
the best response Christians can make is stand their ground and refuse
to be bullied.
*3.) They Twist Scripture*
Susan B. Anthony once said, /I distrust those people who know so well
what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with
their own desires/. In the same way, a Spiritual Narcissist uses
scripture as a tool for /their/ purpose instead of Gods. They approach
the Bible with a closed mind, memorizing only a handful of useful verses
that will justify their behavior. Anything else, particularly scripture
that conflicts with their actions, gets ignored. Like the men of Jude
1:4 <http://www.biblestudytools.com/jude/1-4.html>, they should not to
be trusted.
The best defense Christians have against this kind of faulty theology is
to simply read the Bible. The more familiar we become with Gods work,
the more familiar we become with God.
*4.) They Profess Love, but Never Show It *
Perhaps the easiest way to identify a Spiritual Narcissist is to see if
their works match their words. Many will claim they have nothing but
love and compassion in their hearts for those they rebuke, but their
actions prove otherwise. Matthew 7
<http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/7.html> teaches us that we can
judge a prophet by the fruit of his labors, /A good tree cannot bear
bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit/. So, what kind of
harvest do they bring to Gods table? Division? Disdain? Cruelty?
Love is more than words, love is /actions/. Thats what separates the
true Christian from the Spiritual Narcissist.
*5.) They Talk, but They Dont Listen*
Listening can be a powerful tool for Christians. Listening builds trust,
creates empathy, and fosters understanding among individuals. James 1:19
<http://www.biblestudytools.com/james/1-19.html> even urges believers to
be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. The Spiritual
Narcissist, by contrast, is quick to speak, quick to take offense, and
incapable of listening. They enjoy being the loudest one in the room,
and the idea of deferring to someone else galls them.
A true Christian listens to others, even when they might not agree with
them. Listening requires that we be selfless, which is the one thing a
Spiritual Narcissist can never be.
/*Published 8/21/2015/
Tweet <https://twitter.com/share>
Email <javascript:%20void(0);>
Print

Recently on Faith
* 4 Sure Ways to Overcome Discouragement
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/4-sure-ways-to-overcome-discouragement.html>
4 Sure Ways to Overcome Discouragement
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/4-sure-ways-to-overcome-discouragement.html>
* Is Your Worship Christian or Pagan? (7 Tests)
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/is-your-worship-christian-or-pagan-7-tests.ht
ml>
Is Your Worship Christian or Pagan? (7 Tests)
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/is-your-worship-christian-or-pagan-7-tests.ht
ml>
* 5 Ways Fasting Can Change Your Life
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/5-ways-fasting-can-change-your-life.html>
5 Ways Fasting Can Change Your Life
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/5-ways-fasting-can-change-your-life.html>
* How to Develop a Dynamic Prayer Life
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/how-to-develop-a-dynamic-prayer-life.html>
How to Develop a Dynamic Prayer Life
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/how-to-develop-a-dynamic-prayer-life.html>
* Why "You Only Live Once" is No Way to Live
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/why-you-only-live-once-is-no-way-to-live.html
>
Why "You Only Live Once" is No Way to Live
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/why-you-only-live-once-is-no-way-to-live.html
>
* 7 Helpful Tips for Deeper Bible Study
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/7-helpful-tips-for-deeper-bible-study.html>
7 Helpful Tips for Deeper Bible Study
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/7-helpful-tips-for-deeper-bible-study.html>
Today on iBelieve
* What to Do When Worry Gets the Best of You
<http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/what-to-do-when-worry-gets-the-best-o
f-you.html>
What to Do When Worry Gets the Best of You
<http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/what-to-do-when-worry-gets-the-best-o
f-you.html>
* 3 Ways to Honor a Child s "No" While Teaching Obedience
<http://www.ibelieve.com/motherhood/leaving-room-for-no.html>
3 Ways to Honor a Child s "No" While Teaching Obedience
<http://www.ibelieve.com/motherhood/leaving-room-for-no.html>
* Why "You Only Live Once" is No Way to Live
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/why-you-only-live-once-is-no-way-to-live.html
>
Why "You Only Live Once" is No Way to Live
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/why-you-only-live-once-is-no-way-to-live.html
>
* How to Develop a Dynamic Prayer Life
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/how-to-develop-a-dynamic-prayer-life.html>

How to Develop a Dynamic Prayer Life

<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/how-to-develop-a-dynamic-prayer-life.html>
* 10 Fall Outdoor Activities to Grow Closer to God and Each Other
<http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/10-fall-outdoor-activities-grow-close
r-god-others.html>
10 Fall Outdoor Activities to Grow Closer to God and Each Other
<http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/10-fall-outdoor-activities-grow-close
r-god-others.html>
* 7 Helpful Tips for Deeper Bible Study
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/7-helpful-tips-for-deeper-bible-study.html>
7 Helpful Tips for Deeper Bible Study
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/7-helpful-tips-for-deeper-bible-study.html>

Receive the latest articles on Faith from iBelieve.com

Container Subheader
Subscribe <#>
In addition to your newsletter(s), you will receive email updates and
special offers from iBelieve.com.
Browse all iBelieve Newsletters
<http://www.ibelieve.com/newsletters/>
Privacy Policy <http://www.ibelieve.com/privacy-policy.html> / Terms of
Use <http://www.ibelieve.com/terms-of-use.html>
Sign Up
<#>
Blogs
A 30-Day Challenge of Losing Control, Not Talking Back and Saying Yes to
your Husband
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/kelly-balarie/30-days-of-losing-control-not-talki
ng-back-and-saying-yes-to-husband.html>
A 30-Day Challenge of Losing Control, Not Talking Back and Saying Yes to
your Husband
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/kelly-balarie/30-days-of-losing-control-not-talki
ng-back-and-saying-yes-to-husband.html>
Kelly Balarie
The Day Fear Dropped Me Off in Crazy Town
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/jennifer-kostick/the-day-fear-dropped-me-off-in-c
razy-town.html>
The Day Fear Dropped Me Off in Crazy Town
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/jennifer-kostick/the-day-fear-dropped-me-off-in-c
razy-town.html>
Jennifer Kostick
A Prayer for the Grieving Heart
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/christina-fox/a-prayer-for-the-grieving-heart.htm
l>
A Prayer for the Grieving Heart
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/christina-fox/a-prayer-for-the-grieving-heart.htm

l>
Christina Fox
and he became her son // Exodus 2:10
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/anne-dahlhauser/and-he-became-her-son-exodus-210.
html>
and he became her son // Exodus 2:10
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/anne-dahlhauser/and-he-became-her-son-exodus-210.
html>
Anne Dahlhauser
Attack the Task Ahead of You
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/courtnaye-richard/attack-the-task-ahead-of-you.ht
ml>
Attack the Task Ahead of You
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/courtnaye-richard/attack-the-task-ahead-of-you.ht
ml>
Courtnaye Richard
Bearing Good Fruit that Remains
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/emily-massey/bearing-good-fruit-that-remains.html
>
Bearing Good Fruit that Remains
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/emily-massey/bearing-good-fruit-that-remains.html
>
Emily Massey
Popular Today
Don t Make These 3 Mistakes when Giving
Don t Make These 3 Mistakes when Giving
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/don-t-make-these-3-mistakes-when-giving.html>
10 Women Christian Men Should Never Marry
10 Women Christian Men Should Never Marry
<http://www.ibelieve.com/relationships/10-women-christian-men-should-never-marry
.html>
3 Ways to Know If an "Open Door" is from God
3 Ways to Know If an "Open Door" is from God
<http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/three-ways-to-know-if-an-open-door-is-fro
m-god.html>
5 Indicators of an Evil and Wicked Heart
5 Indicators of an Evil and Wicked Heart
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/inside-ibelieve/5-indicators-of-an-evil-and-wicke
d-heart.html>
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
9 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids
<http://www.ibelieve.com/motherhood/9-most-dangerous-apps-for-kids.html>
To the Man Who Won t Sleep With Me
To the Man Who Won t Sleep With Me
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/brett-wilson/to-the-man-who-wont-sleep-with-me.ht
ml>

5 Words Every Woman Needs to Stop Saying Right Now

5 Words Every Woman Needs to Stop Saying Right Now
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/brett-wilson/5-words-every-woman-needs-to-stop-sa
ying-right-now.html>
How to Bless a Grieving Friend
How to Bless a Grieving Friend
<http://www.ibelieve.com/relationships/how-to-bless-a-grieving-friend.html>
A Prayer For When You re Feeling Weak
A Prayer For When You re Feeling Weak
<http://www.ibelieve.com/blogs/christina-fox/a-prayer-for-when-youre-feeling-wea
k.html>
What is My Anger Telling Me?
What is My Anger Telling Me?
<http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/what-is-my-anger-telling-me.html>
About Faith
Be uplifted and find encouragement for your faith with authentic sharing
of the ups and downs of life for todays Christian female. Read
personal experience of faith challenges and how your relationship with
Jesus Christ makes an impact on every area of living. At iBelieve.com,
we want to help you grow in your personal relationship with Christ and
in your daily walk of faith
Visit WomensMinistryTools.com
<http://www.womensministrytools.com/freetrial/landingpage.aspx/?utm_source=iBeli
eve&utm_medium=site&utm_content=free_trial&utm_campaign=site_ad>

iBelieve.com Topics
*
*
*
*

love <http://www.ibelieve.com/topics/love/>
marriage <http://www.ibelieve.com/topics/marriage/>
faith <http://www.ibelieve.com/topics/faith/>
women <http://www.ibelieve.com/topics/women/>
Contact Us

*
*
*
*
*
*

Site Map <http://www.ibelieve.com/sitemap.html>

About Us <http://www.ibelieve.com/about-us.html>
Feedback <http://www.ibelieve.com/feedback.html>
Advertise with Us <http://www.salememail.com/advertise/>
Terms of Use <http://www.salemwebnetwork.com/our-brands/terms-of-use>
Privacy Policy
<http://www.salemwebnetwork.com/our-brands/privacy-policy>
Get iBelieve.com

*
*
*
*
*

Mobile <http://m.beta.ibelieve.com/>
Newsletters <http://www.ibelieve.com/newsletters/>
Devotionals <http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/>
RSS <http://www.ibelieve.com/rss/>
Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/iBelievedotcom>

* Twitter <http://twitter.com/ibelievecom>
* Pinterest <http://pinterest.com/ibelievecom/>
Salem Web Network <http://www.salemwebnetwork.com/>
About Faith
Be uplifted and find encouragement for your faith with authentic sharing
of the ups and downs of life for todays Christian female. Read
personal experience of faith challenges and how your relationship with
Jesus Christ makes an impact on every area of living. At iBelieve.com,
we want to help you grow in your personal relationship with Christ and
in your daily walk of faith
[x]
<#>
Have this Newsletter Delivered to Your Inbox!
Container Subheader
iBelieve Faith UpdateFeaturing top articles from iBelieve.com that will
challenge your Christian faith
iBelieve Faith UpdateFeaturing top articles from iBelieve.com that will
challenge your Christian faith
More Newsletters <http://www.ibelieve.com/newsletters/>
SIGN UP
<#>
In addition to your newsletter(s), you will receive email updates and
special offers from iBelieve.com.
Privacy Policy <http://www.ibelieve.com/privacy-policy.html> / Terms of
Use <http://www.ibelieve.com/terms-of-use.html>