Definition:
Self-centeredness is the quality or state of being excessively concerned with oneself and one's own needs, desires, or interests, often at the expense of others. It is characterized by an inward focus that prioritizes personal gain and satisfaction over the well-being of others and the glory of God.

Biblical Perspective:
The Bible consistently warns against self-centeredness, portraying it as contrary to the nature and will of God. Scripture encourages believers to adopt an attitude of humility and selflessness, reflecting the character of Christ.

Old Testament Insights:
The Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers of self-centeredness. Proverbs 18:1 states, "He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment." This verse underscores the folly of prioritizing one's own desires over communal wisdom and guidance.

The account of King Saul serves as a cautionary tale of self-centeredness. Saul's disobedience and focus on his own status led to his downfall (1 Samuel 15). His concern for his own honor over obedience to God illustrates the destructive nature of self-centeredness.

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of selflessness and the dangers of self-centeredness. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of selflessness, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

In the Gospels, Jesus teaches about the importance of denying oneself to follow Him. In Matthew 16:24-25 , Jesus says, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

The Apostle Paul also addresses self-centeredness in his letters. In 2 Timothy 3:1-2 , he warns, "But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy." This passage highlights self-centeredness as a characteristic of a fallen world.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to combat self-centeredness by cultivating a spirit of humility and service. Romans 12:10 instructs, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This call to honor others above oneself is a practical antidote to self-centeredness.

The practice of self-denial and taking up one's cross, as Jesus taught, involves a daily commitment to prioritize God's will and the needs of others. This is a transformative process that aligns believers with the character of Christ and the values of the Kingdom of God.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the human tendency toward self-centeredness, it provides a clear path toward selflessness through the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. By embracing humility and service, believers can overcome self-centered tendencies and live in a manner that honors God and blesses others.2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Topicalbible.org

Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Topicalbible.org

2 Thessalonians 2:4
Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
Topicalbible.org

Whether an Angel by Natural Love Loves God More than He Loves ...
... Objection 3: Further, nature is self-centered in its operation; for we behold
every agent acting naturally for its own preservation. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an angel by natural.htm

Third Sunday Before Lent
... temporal honor. These words of the apostle, then, are a fine thrust at ambitious
and self-centered preachers and Christians. Not only ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday before lent.htm

The Two Masters, Self and Truth
... Are you passionate, self-willed, ever seeking to gain your own ends, self-indulgent,
and self-centered; or are you gentle, mild, unselfish, quit of every form ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/the two masters self and.htm

The Acquirement of Spiritual Power
... He is continually scheming as to how he may protect himself against his enemies,
being too self-centered to perceive that he is his own enemy. ...
/.../allen/the way of peace/the acquirement of spiritual power.htm

The Living Bible
... Likewise he who comes to the Bible full of self-importance with mind and heart
self-centered sees not the natural beauty of the Bible. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk nine the living bible.htm

Conversion
... The trouble with man's morality is that it is self-centered and not Christ
centered if he is rejected. II. How may I be converted? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/conversion.htm

Prayer and Humility
... He exalts himself, gives himself over to self-praise, is self-centered,
and goes away unjustified, condemned and rejected by God. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/ii prayer and humility.htm

The Speaking Voice
... When God spoke out of heaven to our Lord, self-centered men who heard it explained
it by natural causes: they said, "It thundered." This habit of explaining ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/vi the speaking voice.htm

Use what You Have
... These persons often become proud, self-centered, and feel themselves to be superior,
and for that reason many times they fail to make the proper use of their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-eight use what you.htm

Warp-Threads.
... Jerusalem was meant to be the gateway to the world. The irony of sin! The
blinding of greed! The self-cheating of being self-centered! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/warp-threads.htm

What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about self-pity? | GotQuestions.org

What is the god of self? | GotQuestions.org

Self: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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