Most of you have seen the Lord of the Rings series, or read it. You will remember that closing scene at the fires of Mordor where Gollum clutches “his precious” all the while falling into destruction in the fires. Gollum gives us a very accurate and fitting picture of the RASN (reviler, abuser, sociopath, narcissist). And really of anyone who clutches their sin instead of turning from it to salvation in Jesus Christ.

The “precious” of the RASN is – himself. His delusion by which he regards himself to be the center of the universe is a path to destruction – eternal destruction in hell, but also destruction in this present life. RASNs are surrounded by the devastation they cause, and this destruction is destructive even to themselves. They cut off the branch which they are seated on.

You can think of many examples – most of you have had the hard experience of them personally. RASNs destroy marriage, family, relationships, finances, careers, children, local churches and more.

DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,
(Rom 3:16)

But, like our character Gollum, they cling to their precious self-image. To let it go would be the ultimate terror for them. They choose the lie and shudder at any ray of truth. They choose the fires of hell where the worm does not die rather than be exposed. Unlike Gollum who, in the novel’s fiction, ended in nothingness – it will not be so for the RASN. What will, for instance, the narcissistic abuser be thinking when he stands before the Lord naked and exposed, where every lie will be uncovered and every secret of the heart revealed?