3:174 – Am I Selfish?

#faithbites #faithjourney selfish

Fair warning, this is a challenging #faithbites and I am riled up. I am upset about those choosing not to wear a mask because “it bothers them”. Not that they can’t wear it because of a medical issue but they don’t like it. Wearing masks isn’t to protect you, but it’s to protect others. This makes me upset. Here is the question: Am I a selfish person? Are you?

Selfishness can be little things. Do you take the last cookie without asking if anyone else wants it or to split it? Have you parked in a handicapped spot because it was easier? Ever parked in a no parking zone, because it would just be a minute? Have you ever just not done something you said you would do because it inconvienenced you?

We have all been selfish now and again. I have done so many selfish things in my life that I am not proud of.

The Bible warns us about being selfish. We are suppose to emulate Christ and be selfless. Are you?

Scripture

• James 3:14-16 – But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
• 2 Timothy 3:1-5 – But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
• Phillipians 2:3-5 – Do nothing from rivalry 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.

Reflection

I warned you that this would be a tough one. These verses are not easy to listen to when you are the one being selfish. In most cases, people don’t feel they are the ones not looking into others interests, not being arrogant, and reckless.

We are told to judge not lest ye be judged. I try to be like Christ who loves and forgive. It’s hard when so many flaunt personal freedom over protecting others. I commented that even if there wasn’t scientific evidence that wearing a mask would help everyone but might, then I’d do it because it’s a minor inconvienence to me.

Not much more to say. Just feeling frustrated at so many putting self interests about that of the community. I thought we were all brothers and sisters. As much as my siblings drive me crazy, I would do anything to help them.

Apologies again for the rant. I hope you can forgive me.

Challenge

Committ one selfless act. Show that your love for others, like Christ, is more than your love of self.

Prayer

Father God, please forgive my anger and frustration. I am far from perfect and have been selfish on many occasions in my life. Forgive me for that. Help me and all of us to be more like you and give fully of ourselves to advance your kingdom. Let us be the example that you want on this Earth. In your name, Amen.