Only one cure for selfishness . . .

A few years ago, my daughter said, “I finally figured out what is wrong with the world — everyone is selfish!”

No argument there. From children who want what they want when they want it to power-hungry tyrants, or  those who enslave others, or politicians, or the average person walking the streets, we truly tend to look out for number one, namely me.

The Bible continually addresses this issue and calls it our sin nature. We were created to be in harmony with God but that first disobedience became part of the human DNA and has changed Eden into the messy world we now live because the essence of sin is going our own way.

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he talks to “bondservants” (equivalent to today’s employees) and tells those who are Christian to deny that selfishness. He then gives the reason why:

Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:9–15)

Every employer wants people he can trust. This passage points to a yielded obedience without arguing all the time and not taking stuff for themselves that does not belong them. A business should not need an expense account for the stuff employees take home, especially if Christians are in the workplace.

The reason? God’s grace brings salvation that not only forgives sin but also grants new life. Jesus Christ comes to live in our hearts and brings His sinless nature to bear on how we think and live. He gives us Himself that we might deny our old selfish nature and live in harmony with God. this new nature enables us to love God and love others, doing things that bless and build them up rather than being concerned only with ourselves. This is not about doing good deeds to increase our own status, but a genuine care that puts others more important.

Paul describes this change in many places, including this letter to the Philippians:

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus . . .  (Philippians 2:1–5)

Loving others is part of being a Christian. So is denying self, putting aside my I-wants because the needs of someone else is more important. It isn’t always easy. Jesus did it His whole life here on earth with the ‘biggie’ being Calvary. That was not easy; He sweat blood. Yet this grand self-denial brought eternal life to all who believe. His Word says that my self-denial will also bless others, certainly in smaller ways and sometimes in ways I cannot see, yet I get it. Selfishness is ruining the world. Selflessness can have the opposite effect!

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Lord Jesus, trusting and knowing You has changed me. This change requires obedience and sometimes I’m not very cooperative, yet You promise to finish what You began. Someday I will see You face to face and be exactly like You. What a glorious future awaits! Thank You for being so patient with me.

Today’s thankful list . . .

New life in Christ.

Today’s walk in the woods.

Honking geese on their way to winter homes.

New friends.

A new small group study that begins tonight.