Love to hear from and know who is listening
People have become so self-centered. They have a total lack of empathy. They only think of what they can get to be bigger, to be better than everyone else, or richer than everyone else. Selfishness is like the plague. It spreads. It is contagious. People today are immature, lazy, and selfish. They’re constantly taking selfies and sharing them on social media. They make spectacular entrances. They walk into a room and announce “Here I am – Look at Me!!! They don't want to pay their dues at entry-level jobs and work their way up the corporate ladder. They think so highly of themselves that they believe that right out of school they should be the executive vice president. Many times they can’t afford to buy a home because they spend all their money on status symbols like designer clothes and fancy cars. And the worst part, people don't even recognize their selfishness. They call it pride, confidence, expertise and self motivation.
What does the bible say about selfishness? James 3:16 says: For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. Wow!!! That sounds like the latest headlines from the world news!
James 4: 1-2 NIV What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
In Philippians 2:3 the bible says: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. We live in a world that actively encourages us to be self-centered. We’re regularly bombarded with commercials and slogans telling us, “You deserve a me day!”, “Treat yourself!”, or “Do what feels right by you!” To be selfish is to be concerned excessively or exclusively with yourself. Selfishness doesn’t bring the protection or satisfaction it promises. Selfishness can bring insecurity because we constantly wonder what people think of us. Selfishness can also make us stressed, as we rely on our own strength to do things only God can do. Selfishness is one of the biggest obstacles to having a close relationship with God. If we would take our blinders off and look at the world around us, and care what is happening around us, we might learn not to be so self-centered.
The Bible is filled with verses which can help believers combat a selfish lifestyle. They encourage us to take a heavenly approach toward the world, and see ourselves through Jesus eyes. The love and care Jesus showed to people around him as he physically walked the earth healed their pain and changed their lives should be an example to us who profess to be his followers. Jesus lived his life selflessly, bringing hope to the world around him and to each of us.
Romans 15: 1-2 NIV We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
God is not impressed by fast cars and fancy clothing. He desires a faithful heart. When we share with others and treat our neighbors with kindness, we reflect the light of Christ into their lives. The Kingdom of God is not built on silver or gold, but with the selfless actions. Jesus taught his disciples that the greatest commandment was to love God. The second was to love our neighbor. When you walk into a room instead of saying, “Here I am” maybe you should say, “There you are!” The gospel message isn’t spread through politics or popular trends, it’s shared one person at a time. How can we hope to be an effective witness if
