Selfishness

 

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5

C. S. Lewis in his book, The Problem of Pain, said – “At this very moment you and I are either committing selfishness, or about to commit it, or repenting it.” He was noting just how common this sin is. He also said, “He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.”

As I have listened to the political candidates and the people who follow them, selfishness seems to be reigning supreme. People are ready to vote for the candidate who will best benefit them. It does not matter any longer what will best benefit our nation as long as it benefits “me.” Selfishness will prove to be the pathway to destruction.

I suppose we should expect selfishness to be rampant among the unsaved, but it is so much more terribly wrong and destructive when it becomes part of the lives of those who claim to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – or perhaps only “Savior,” and for some, even that may be doubtful.

Jerry Bridges, in his book, Respectable Sins, reveals just how terrible this sin is. It is amazing what people will do to get their own way, to place themselves above everyone else, except the ones they can use for their own benefit. This is so contrary to what a genuine Christian ought to be! It is very closely relates to pride. Pride places self and not others in all of our thoughts. To exclude others is to exclude God, Who is not in all of the thoughts of those filled with pride (Psalm 10:4). Like Jericho of old, pride will eventually bring the walls of a prideful life “tumbling down.” You cannot love God with your whole heart when it filled with self (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Most of us have seen little children grabbing a toy from another child with the familiar expression, “MINE!” This is normal because we are born sinners, which means that we are born with a selfish nature. Adults are supposed to grow out of this. It should never be once named among Christian adults, and yet sadly this is one of the “Respectable Sins.” It certainly does not fit alongside of the fruit of the Spirit – “Love … gentleness … faith … and meekness. Christians are supposed to be looking after the concerns and needs of others. Yet some are so self-centered which is spoken of in II Timothy 3 with the words “lovers of self.” They want you to be concerned about their interests but it is a one way street. They will even find it easy to speak evil of others to justify their own sin. They have to be the center of the conversation and they cannot go out of the way for anyone else, though they would expect you to go out of the way for them. Their time is always more important than yours. They find it difficult to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15) and rejoice with those that rejoice (I Corinthians 12:26). It seems that they cannot see the needs of others unless they somehow benefit from it (I John 3:17). Bridges states: “A lot of selfishness is exhibited in the home among family members. Outside the home we are apt to be on our best behavior and act as we know we should” (p. 122).

Jesus Christ set the example that He expected us to follow. …though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich (II Corinthians 8:9).

Ask the Holy Spirit whether there is evidence of selfishness in your life. This is so crucial relating to your testimony before unbelievers. The unsaved often watch and listen to believers to see whether the Christ we preach is real. We are to be “little Christs.” Would others say this is true of you?

Consider just a few of the one another passages of Scripture. Are these characteristics of your life?

• Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
• Love one another (John 13:34; 15:12; Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13).
• Care for one another (I Corinthians 12:24-25).
• Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:18-21).
• Be subject to one another (I Peter 5:5-6).
• Forbear one another (Ephesians 4:1-2).
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13-14).
• Be kind one to another (Romans 12:10).
• Give preference to one another (Philippians 2:2-5; 4:3).
• Have compassion on one another (I Peter 3:8).
• Be likeminded toward one another (Romans 12:16).
• Empathize with one another (Romans 12:15). This is sharing the feelings of another.

Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heat (Psalm 26:2).

George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.