Selfishness

Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Selfishness, one word that has caused wars, ended marriages, filled prisons, and destroyed relationships! It demands its own way... no matter the cost and always puts its own needs before others. It's a cruel plot of the enemy to cause one's focus to become self-centered and no longer God centered.

The Lord's desire is that we imitate Jesus. He is the perfect example of what our lives should reflect. This is a reminder today to begin to look past your 4 walls of comfort and convenience and begin to see others... truly see them as Jesus does. The person who butted in line in front of you, the rude cashier at the grocery store, and the car that just missed hitting you because they are driving erratically. What's causing their behavior? Do we even care? We need to become the blessing and not add to their misery by reacting negatively. There are so many instances throughout our day that doesn't fit into the perfection we want and can bring about a negative reaction. Maybe your spouse isn't measuring up and fulfilling you in the way that you desire. What's the heart of Jesus concerning them? What would He do? I know what He did. He lived a selfless life fully surrendered to the will of the Father and loved unto death...a brutal death, His blood shed for those who murdered Him! No, there was no selfishness to be found in Him! He cared and loved the most unlovable. 

So today, reevaluate your motives, actions and reactions. Are they designed to only please yourself or have you laid down your life for the Glory of God, fully desiring to do His will above your own? Really think about this... how much of your day will be spent serving Jesus and others? How much time will be spent scrolling social media instead of studying His Word. How much time has been set aside to pray for others and worship Him? How about your money? Is there a portion set aside for furthering the Gospel and blessing others? Are you committed to the tithe covenant? 

If you're convicted by your responses to these questions... there's good news!!! Repentance makes all things new! Realizing change is necessary is the beginning. Then ask the Holy Spirit to change your heart and give you the desire to live as He would want you to, fully surrendered to His will in every area of your life! No longer living for self-gratification but for His purpose! As you do, your love for others and your desire for their wellbeing will begin to become evident in your life!

Matthew 20:25-28 (NKJV) But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Acts 3:19 (NKJV) Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.

Matthew 6:21 (KJV) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Malachi 3:10 (KJV) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

1 Corinthians 10:24 (NKJV) Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.