self absorption

I have been absorbed with the concept of self aborption. The opposite of that is 'consideration for' or 'doing for others' or being 'other focused'. Off of ourselves. awareness of others and other things. maturity. insight. reaching out and ultimately glorifying God with our arms outstretched. To HIM. Keeping eyes on Christ. That's what I strive for and when I see the ugly characteristic of self absorption in others it is a reminder to avoid it at all costs. It is so ugly and embarrassing to see others who are. And then I examine myself. How am I self absorbed? Do I bring attention to myself and if so How? Always good questions. I try to catch myself or ask myself what is my motive for doing or saying something specific? To get attention? Yuck. I have been guilty of that. I cringe now if I catch myself. That is the Spirit in me and thank You God for that awareness. I would rather cringe at myself than be oblivious with my own need to get attention.

I know some people close to me who are really into themselves and it pains me. It hurts and it's scares me that they won't improve if they don't get Christ in their lives to take the focus off. So many Americans are this way. Narcissism is so bad and it will destroy the fabric of relational life. Who wants to be friends or invest in people who are this way? Prayer is the only answer for these difficult things. I have been praying for them.

The only cure to loneliness, depression, self pity or anything like those is to reach out to others and do for others. The self absorbed people I know only reach out if they think they are being watched! What a contradiction!! Otherwise they have no desire to help others and reach out to them. They are too busy thinking of themselves or aiming the mirror or camera at themselves and admiring themselves. Narcissism is the need to be admired, not the need to be liked. It is healthier to want to be liked.

Jesus, please forgive me for my own level of self absorption. Please remove any desire I have that removes any glory from You onto me. Without You, I am nothing. I want to glorify You in all my actions. No glory for self, only You. Make me aware when I look for attention or admiration. I love You. Eyes on You. Not on me.