Praise & Pray

Selfishness is encouraged and thrives in this day and age. Common sayings include "It's all about me," and "I'm just going to do me." For many, this attitude is a reaction to the reality that so many disregard people's kindness. And so, certain individuals put on the 'armor' of selfishness, thinking it will protect them from hurt and help them 'level up.' What they don't realize is that selfishness is a cleverly disguised scheme by satan to drag people into the gates of hell.

There are, of course, times when self-preservation is crucial. When a person's life and mental health are at risk, they must step away from unsafe people and situations. In such instances, it is also wise to seek God for strategy and wisdom to move successfully. Outside of such circumstances, however, we must realize that from God's perspective, those who habitually prioritize themselves are no different from the wicked whom He will punish. Romans 2:8 - But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

This issue of selfishness comes up elsewhere in the Bible. Consider Philippians 2:3-4 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,/ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. The average Christian would immediately reject what these verses instruct: put the needs of others above your needs. The world has conditioned them to do the opposite. But in reality, believers are supposed to be conditioned by the Word and not disobey it.

How many of us realize that we are told not to befriend the selfish in Proverbs 23:6? Or that Jesus said of the Pharisees that they were hypocrites and part of their hypocrisy was tied to their greed and selfishness (Matthew 23:25)? The Bible warns that in the end times selfishness will be common, saying in 2 Timothy 3:2 that "people will be lovers of themselves." The verses that follow mention evil characteristics of wickedness that are prevalent in our time. Characteristics that we believe will get us ahead in life, but that's not what the word of God says.

As many Christians are not applying the word of God in their daily existence, it is no surprise that their lives are no different from those who do not believe in Jesus or the Father. Most of us are unaware of James 3:13-16, which informs us that when we are envious and selfish, we are applying worldly wisdom. How many will admit that they are jealous of others and are selfish? Ignorance will not be a defense when the Lord summons us to give an account of the time He gave us on the earth. Especially not when you know better.

Alas, no selfish Christian should question God for not rewarding their hypocrisy and disobedience. None should expect to be blessed despite their disregard for His word and the many warnings He sends to nudge them away from the highway of backsliding and back to His narrow path. No believer should close their ears to His cries against selfishness but should realize that selfishness and other acts of the flesh will keep people from heaven (Galatians 5:19-21). Remember that God wants all His children to spend eternity with Him, and choices determine where each person ends up.

If you are thinking that selfish people are getting ahead, beware of that attitude. The Bible shows that those who accused God of blessing the wicked wearied Him. Yes, the Lord is merciful and patient, but it is best to avoid offending Him and not allow our lack of knowledge to cause a false accusation of unfairness against Him. Instead, realize that with the wicked, you only see a sliver of their lives - the part they want you to see. Such people are great at faking a packaged narrative. It is the wicked who put up a bold front (Proverbs 21:29). So, don't be stubborn.

You just haven't seen how the Lord is dealing with wicked people in private. He gives them time to repent and turn from their ways, and you should be grateful for this. Selfish people, therefore, should not be the sort you want to emulate. Instead, desire to be more like Jesus, who said it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Start with praying to be less selfish, then study Jesus's life and that of His apostles to learn to be more giving and gracious. Also, make it a habit to put one person's needs before yours each day. That means, make a sacrifice for somebody else.

Give the money you were going to use to spoil yourself to an organization that feeds people with physical and spiritual food, for instance. Or, get a group of friends and go serve the less fortunate. Take the money you and your friends would have spent on a group outing to buy clothes or food items, then donate them. Also, make it a point to prioritize God's needs and concerns over yours. Ask Him in prayer and fasting what His wishes are. Ask how you can play a role in accomplishing them, no matter how small. Ask Him who you can help each week and how to assist the person.

Your life will not become dull by doing some or all of the suggestions above. Rather, your life will develop new meaning, become richer, and have a wider impact than you could have imagined. Plus, in rejecting the spirit of selfishness that has infiltrated the lives of so many, you would become more pleasing to God. And you would be putting His kingdom and His righteousness first. Matthew 6:33 tells us the reward for doing so: everything you need will come to you. The Lord will provide because He has to honor His word and He delights in blessing those who serve Him (Psalm 35:27).

Come back for fellowship at Noon EST. Until then, read the Altar Call below and these related messages:

1. Self Ambition (Philippians 2:3-4)

2. Freely Give

3. To want or to give? That is the question

4. Stubbornness

5. Stay in God's Service

6. Packaging

7. Give Generously

8. Selfless

9. Our Responsibility To The Future

10. Don't Fake It Till You Make It

11. Your Fiduciary Duty To God

12. Don't Envy The Wicked

13. Is God Unfair?

14. Stop Living Like A Pagan

15. Topic: Dear Christians

16. Topic: God's Concerns Series (Mark 8:33)

17. Topic: The Wicked/Evil