Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others more important that yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:2-4 HCSB
We all know a person or people who are selfish. They think only of themselves and their wants and needs and pay no attention to those around them unless it’s to see what those around them could do for them. It’s all about them.
The problem here is that this is not how God intends for us to live our lives. When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, his reply was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind (Matthew 22:33-37) and then he told them that the second one was like it in that we were to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Our pastor often uses the acronym, JOY, Jesus first, other’s second, and yourself last.
I have seen people who seem to live in constant chaos, they are consumed with their problems and the tragic mess that has become their life. When you talk to them about volunteering or serving in their church, they look at you as if you have three heads. They don’t understand that the way to be relieved of these problems is to help someone else. When we serve God through serving others, we often times see that we don’t have it so bad. We can see that there are others that are in way worse shape than we are. But we must look beyond ourselves.
I must warn you, God will never honor selfish behavior. James 3:6 tells us that where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. I hate to admit it but I have seen a pattern in the lives of selfish people. When people become selfish and turn inward, they have no problem committing evil acts if it means that they get their way. If they continue along this path, God will give them over to their selfish desires (Romans 1:24). When this happens they spiral downward and you see personality disorders such as narcissism. Sadly, I have seen these people alienate those around them to the point where they are all alone.
Our focus is supposed to be outward, we are first to focus on God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Then we are to attend to the needs of others as best as we can. We are told to love others as we love ourselves. Jesus knew that people love themselves, so he told us to love others with that same kind of love. We aren’t going to allow ourselves to go without our basic needs if we can help it. He expects us to help others.
If you are down and depressed and you have lost hope, reach out to God. Focus on Him. Serve Him through serving others. You will find that there are plenty of other people that are in far worse situations than you are. Reach out to those that are hurting. When we do this it brings our lives from turmoil and chaos to peace and joy. I know because I have been there and done that and got the t-shirt. You don’t have to take my word for it. I encourage you to try it for yourself, even if it takes you outside of your comfort zone. There are so many Christian organizations today that desperately need volunteers. It is truly much better to give than to receive because honestly we were made to be givers. We have received God’s salvation which is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. Shouldn’t we show our appreciation by giving to others?
Our world is in a huge mess and if you look at the root of our problems, they stem from everyone wanting it their way. People love themselves and aren’t worried about anyone else. We are told in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 that difficult times will come in the last days where people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. We are told to avoid these people.
My friend if you find yourself focusing on you more than on God or others, be very careful. You are on a slippery slope. To get off of that slope turn to God, focus on Him and ask Him to guide you to safety. Once you are safe, you are in a good position to reach out to others who need a hand.
When we live our lives knowing that it’s all about Him, He takes good care of us.
Have a great day!