October 09, 2020
Today’s Reading
Philippians 2:3 KJV
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
When you act selfishly, it is because all you are thinking about is yourself. To be selfish means you are putting yourself before others instead of putting others before yourself. Focusing only on yourself is not only a sin, but it is also self-destructive. When we focus on ourselves, it is often because we are either protecting ourselves, or because we are pursuing something or someone that we think will make us happy. We can also act selfish because, in the moment, we feel like doing so will benefit us. But in the end, selfishness is purely self-destructive. Selfishness destroys relationships, teams, careers, and if you let it, it will destroy your life.
Jesus lived a lifestyle that was the exact opposite of selfishness. Jesus was in heaven (which is perfect, by the way), and He came to live a life of service to other people. And then, He died so that the world would no longer have to pay the price for their sins if they believed in Him. Aren’t you glad that Jesus lived an unselfish life? If He had lived a selfish life, then our sins would not be paid for, and we would all be headed to hell. Praise God that Jesus lived a life that was about being unselfish! He didn’t think about how comfortable He was, because He was too busy thinking about our needs. Jesus lived a selfless life, because He thought of Himself less. If you find yourself often being selfish, then I encourage you to look to the unselfish life of Jesus. Don’t beat yourself up about your selfishness, because that will just lead to more selfishness. Begin to think of yourself less. Come to Christ, and ask Him to take away all the selfishness in your heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. If you do that, you will begin to live a life that is life-giving, rather than one that is selfish and self-destructive. Today, I urge you to look to Christ, and run away from all of the selfish desires you have.
Frank Newsome