Who is the center of your world? Sadly, for many an honest answer would be, “I am”.

Do you know anyone who requires continual admiration because they consider themselves better than everyone else? These individuals, at the slightest provocation or criticism lose it. This a clinical description of someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). You may have NPD if:

1. You have an over inflated sense of self-importance

2. You live in a world that confirms this sense of grandeur

3. Your ego needs to be constantly stroked

4. You live with a sense of entitlement

5. You manipulate others with guilt or shame

6. You intimidate, harass, or put others down

Such “magnetic and charming” individuals know how to “sell” themselves. They can worm their way into any organization or relationship. Once their incompetence starts to show, they bully all into submission and the environment becomes toxic.

So, what is the cure for NPD? Christ is! It is imperative that all place God at the center of their universe. God is not just one factor of who we are in our story. No, this is “His story” and we are just one small insignificant detail in that story.

A couple came into my office recently with severe marital discord. Both professed to be agnostic. Not only is this probably why they have so much conflict, but it also makes the path back almost impossible.

Here are a few corrective scriptures to meditate on and to live by:

• Matthew 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

• Romans 12:2 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

• Psalm 28:7 ESV The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

• 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 ESV Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.

• Galatians 2:20 ESV I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Father, God – you have taught me that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Help me to be a gift to Your creation today that will bring glory to Your Kingdom.