For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3:2 NKJV

In today’s discourse, the concept of self-love and its implications on spiritual and moral behavior hold a significant place. The idea of being a “lover of self,” as mentioned in the New Testament (NT), encapsulates a theme that has been contemplated throughout both biblical and secular discussions. The term “lovers of self” comes from the Greek adjective philautos, a compound of phileo (to have great affection for) and autos (self), describing someone who is fundamentally selfish or overly concerned with their own desires and interests. This concept is particularly relevant in contemporary conversations about individualism and self-centered attitudes.

The only instance where “lovers of self” explicitly appears in the New Testament is a vivid illustration of the dangers of excessive self-love. It is likened to a hedgehog that rolls into a ball: keeping its warmth inside while presenting its spikes outwardly, symbolizing a defensive and self-serving nature. This imagery is powerful in conveying how a self-centered existence not only isolates oneself but can also harm others. This principle aligns with the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who emphasizes that true love “seeketh not her own” (1 Corinthians 13:5), suggesting that genuine affection involves selflessness rather than selfishness.

This theme is not isolated to the New Testament but finds echoes in the Old Testament, particularly during the turbulent period described in the Book of Judges. In those times, the absence of a central leadership led to moral chaos, encapsulated in the phrase “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). This period highlights the dangers of a society where self-love and personal desires supersede communal responsibility and divine directives, pointing to the broader biblical warning against self-centeredness.

Self-love is often identified as the root of all sin, the initial deviation from divine law and communal harmony. It signifies a shift in one’s “center of gravity” from Christ to self, which is fundamentally opposed to the message of the gospel. The modern encouragement to embrace self-love and self-acceptance irrespective of personal conduct is critically assessed in light of biblical teachings. The assertion that loving oneself unconditionally will automatically lead to moral improvement is frequently challenged; history and scripture suggest otherwise.

The teachings of Jesus Christ sharply contrast the notion of self-love with the call for self-denial. Christ’s instruction to “deny oneself, take up one’s cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34) encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship. This path is not about self-fulfillment in the conventional sense but about losing one’s life for Christ’s sake, which paradoxically leads to truly saving it. Here, self-denial is not presented as mere asceticism but as a transformative process leading to genuine freedom and salvation.

Paul the Apostle reiterates this theme, emphasizing that Christ died so that believers “should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:15). This shift from living for self to living for Christ represents the fundamental transformation that Christianity advocates.

However, contemporary Christian practice sometimes reflects a disturbing inversion of this principle. The elevation of self — through doctrines of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-fulfillment — often replaces the biblical call for self-denial. Such teachings, which mirror secular self-help philosophies, risk undermining the core Christian message and can lead to a form of spiritual narcissism. This trend is exemplified by the popularity of self-centered ideologies and books such as “Looking Out for Number One,” which starkly contrast with the altruistic and community-focused ethos of traditional Christian teachings.

In conclusion, the biblical critique of self-love as a fundamental human flaw calls for a deep reevaluation of modern values and practices. While contemporary culture often champions the self, biblical wisdom teaches us that true fulfillment and moral integrity come not from self-love but from self-sacrifice and a life devoted to serving higher purposes and communal goods. The challenge lies in reconciling these ancient truths with modern approaches to personal and spiritual well-being.

—Josh Mullins—