A Debilitating Disorder

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My younger daughter is 2 ½ years old and suffers from a debilitating disorder that, if left untreated, will ruin her life. Sadly, my little girl has a raging case of “Self Reliance Syndrome with Narcissistic Tendencies”.

SELF RELIANCE SYNDROME:
When getting out the peanut butter… “I do it!” she explains.
When fastening her car seat… “I do it myself” she declares

NARCISSISTIC TENDENCIES:
Are far as she knows the world exists to provide for her comfort, care and enjoyment.
Starving children in Africa? What is an Africa?

The frightening thing about Self Reliance Syndrome with Narcissistic Tendencies is that almost all two year olds have it AND almost none of them grow out of it. Yes, in most cases, self-reliant, self-centered toddlers become self-reliant, self-centered adults.

And though this disorder presents it’s self in adults in many disturbing ways, perhaps the most glaring and dangerous of symptoms is they way it effects a person’s prayer life. Those who are self-reliant and self-centered rarely make a consistent habit of praying for others around them.

Here is the Apostle Paul in his attempt to stem the tide of Self Reliance Syndrome during the first century:

1 Tim 2:1-2 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

SELF RELIANCE SYNDROME WITH NARCISSISTIC TENDENCIES: (here are some excellent treatments)

#1 Recognize, “It’s not about you”.
Make a habit of praying for others.
#2 Realize, Many people in the world are struggling and need help.
Carve out time in your day to ask God to help them.
#3 Be aware, weak and forgotten humans need someone to stand up for them.
Make a consistent effort to intercede on their behalf.
#4 Grasp the fact that you are not the most important person in the room.
Frequently give thanks for others.
#5 Understand, Your particular political party is not going to fix the planet.
Pray daily for those in authority.

These are the steps to take in overcoming Self Reliance Syndrome with Narcissistic Tendencies. Pray and pray some more. And while you are praying, pray for me – I’ve been struggling with the disorder my entire life.