I have hesitated for quite a while to write about selfishness. After all, don’t we all know what it’s about? Is it really possible to truly grasp how that offensive habit affects so many of those who surround us?
Do you, like me—become heartbroken by self-absorbed family members, some so-called friends or acquaintances? How about co-workers or your mate? I will never get used to such a mean way to be treated by others.
Sadly, selfishness is part of our sinful nature and no one is exempt from it.
Selfishness is paying too much attention to our wants, needs and well-being above others interests.We build up ourselves while tearing down someone else. It’s a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). It sure ruins relationships and hinders our prayers (James 4:3 ). If we don’t care about others, we can lose our reputation in no time!
Selfishness leads to disorder and EVERY EVIL PRACTICE ( James 3:16 ). Individuals who live in their own little bubble tend to have a strong sense of ENTITLEMENT. They expect privileges and think that all is due or owed to them.Having an overly high opinion of themselves, their attitude is akin to NARCISSISM which is an excessive preoccupation with or an admiration of themselves (conceit).
It’s an excessive self-love, vanity as well as a personality disorder. Those people tend to lack empathy, a symptom of an unconscious deficit in self-esteem.It’s also a contemplation or admiration of one’s own body and an over emphasis on physical appearance!
Let’s see what the Bible—God’s Word says about how selfishness can be defeated. Philippians 2:34: “The Lord commands us to do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit ( vanity or arrogance) but with humility of mind, regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your personal interest, but also for the interests of others.”
I don’t know about you but I’m a firm believer in MUTUAL RELATIONSHIPS. God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves.Isn’t that clear?
What about the golden rule in Matthew 7:12? “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”
SELFLESSNESS
Do you desire to become a selfless person? In the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of Philippians chapter 2, we are encouraged to be united with Christ having tenderness and compassion, being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purposes. To combat selfishness, it requires genuine humility which restores and grows relationships. It involves a true perspective about ourselves in relation to God.
In Romans 12:13, we are reminded to not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but rather think of ourselves with sober judgment in accordance with the measure of faith God has given us.Prayer and love for the Scriptures is necessary.
Psalm 119:36 encourages us to turn our heart to the Lord’s status and not toward selfish gain.
Having the attitude of Christ is to demonstrate tenderness and compassion for all those with whom we come in contact. It is more blessed to give than to receive ( Acts:20:35 ); and God loves a cheerful giver ( 2 Corinthians 9:7 ).
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus the King replies: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one the least brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me.”
WE SHOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING AT SOMEONE ELSE’S EXPENSE
There is someone who hates you and God with a passion, Satan himself. In the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Isaiah chapter 14:12-14, Lucifer is described; his name is translated from the Hebrew word HELEL which means BRIGHTNESS, the morning star or bright star.
Lucifer was the highest being, the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. He was blameless in his ways from the day he was created until iniquity was found in him. His heart was proud because of his beauty. He corrupted his wisdom for the sake of his splendor!
Because of his rebellion, he said in his heart: I WILL ascend to heaven; I WILL raise my throne above the stars of God; I WILL make myself like the Most High (God). He is the ultimate example of selfishness! The Lord cursed Satan and cast him down to the earth! He has since been the principality behind the powers of this corrupt system!
Now you all know who is your worst enemy!
Christ came on his earth to defeat Satan at the cross, took upon Himself your due judgment so that you can receive his forgiveness with a true repentance from you sin. He ascended to heaven to prepare you a place to live in his presence forever!
If you choose to ignore him, you will remain Satan’s property and share his eternity in the lake of fire with all his angels and those who rejected Christ!
I PLEAD WITH YOU to ponder on such a terrifying future! Christ loves you; He offers you a glorious eternity by His side and his deep friendship on earth.He is totally selfless
WHO WILL YOU CHOSE?
Lucie, who cares!
Contact: luciekirouac@sogetel.net