Self-centeredness is the human condition, and it has been for a long time. Even the Prophet Isaiah noted, “We all, like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to our own way.” But modern American culture has elevated the idol of “ME” to unprecedented heights. From reality TV to American Idol, to self-help gurus who peddle the snake oil of self-empowerment and a social media revolution that presumes to turn the mundane into the monumental, self-obsession is a way of life in the United States. But why is it a problem and what harm can it really bring to us? This presentation exposes our dangerous and deadly preoccupation with “ME” and how the future of society and souls hang in the balance.

Marriages are crumbling in the United States faster than ever before, and families are disintegrating in their wake. Moms are forgoing their critical role in the home seeking the illusive phantom of career fulfillment. Dads excuse their absenteeism and failure to provide for their families by claiming their dedication to climbing the corporate ladder is something other than blatantly self-serving. Young people are raised believing that no matter what they do, they are deserving of praise and adoration. Our homes have become such a hotbed of self-indulgence it is no wonder they are collapsing at an alarming rate. This presentation provides a critical illumination of the pitfalls of selfishness that destroy relationships at home, crippling our culture in the process.

If you really want to see how self-obsessed our society has become, all you need to do is turn on your television. Hollywood stars that feel entitled to a red carpet rollout whenever they grace the public with their presence. Professional athletes that carry themselves as royalty. Activists who place their worship of convenience over the lives of tiny humans. Politicians that will say and promise anyone anything that is necessary to gain or retain power. Even research scientists work now to convince us of the greatness and superiority of man rather than how small we are and how much we don’t yet know. Self-obsession may begin from the moment of our birth and our experiences at home, but it is fueled, without question, by a media worship of the “ME” idol.

Selfishness is the human condition: it affects and infects every individual to some degree. And while there may be comfort in knowing we are not alone, it should also be a clear warning that this isn’t an easy adversary to vanquish. And though the Christian world offers the only solution, the church itself often falls prey to the sins of self-centeredness. The advent of a new, have-it-your-way, Burger King Christianity is actually feeding the self-indulgence of humanity rather than combating it. That should serve as a key warning to all of us that the only solution to our self-obsession isn’t found in church, in religion, or philosophy. It’s found alone in killing our selfish human nature and resurrecting a new life in Christ.