The term "lovers of themselves" is derived from the Greek word "philautos," which appears in the New Testament, specifically in 2 Timothy 3:2. This phrase is used to describe a characteristic of people in the "last days," a period often interpreted by conservative Christians as the time leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul, in his epistle to Timothy, provides a list of negative traits that will be prevalent in society during these times.

Biblical Reference:

2 Timothy 3:1-2 : "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..."

Context and Interpretation:

In this passage, Paul warns Timothy about the moral and spiritual decline that will characterize the last days. The phrase "lovers of themselves" is placed at the forefront of a list of vices, indicating its foundational role in the corruption of human character. This self-love is not the healthy self-respect or self-care that is encouraged in other parts of Scripture, but rather a narcissistic and self-centered attitude that places one's own desires and interests above those of God and others.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, being a "lover of oneself" is seen as a direct violation of the greatest commandments as taught by Jesus: to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39). Self-love, in this negative sense, is viewed as idolatry, where the self becomes an object of worship, replacing God as the central focus of one's life.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The emphasis on self-love in this context is often linked to a broader cultural shift towards individualism and moral relativism. It is seen as a root cause of various social and ethical issues, including the breakdown of family structures, the erosion of community values, and the rise of materialism and hedonism. This self-centeredness is believed to lead to a lack of empathy, compassion, and genuine love for others, which are core tenets of Christian ethics.

Practical Application:

For believers, the warning against being "lovers of themselves" serves as a call to self-examination and repentance. Christians are encouraged to cultivate humility, selflessness, and a servant-hearted attitude, following the example of Jesus Christ, who "did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). This involves prioritizing the needs of others, engaging in acts of charity and kindness, and maintaining a God-centered life.

Related Biblical Themes:

· Pride and Humility: The Bible frequently contrasts pride, which is often associated with self-love, with humility, a virtue highly esteemed in Scripture (Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6).
· Idolatry: Self-love can be seen as a form of idolatry, where the self is exalted above God (Exodus 20:3, Romans 1:25).
· Love for Others: The call to love others is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of community and selflessness (John 13:34-35, Philippians 2:3-4).

Conclusion:

While the Bible acknowledges the importance of self-care and self-respect, it warns against an excessive and distorted form of self-love that leads to moral decay and spiritual alienation. Believers are called to reject this self-centeredness and to live lives marked by love for God and others, reflecting the character of Christ in all their actions and relationships.