Selfless vs. Selfish
by Susanne Ayala
As Christians we are called to serve. We are called to put others before ourselves, to be selfless. This is especially true with our brothers and sisters. Jesus said that we would be recognized by our love for one another. (John 13:35) Sometimes, we get comfortable with our fellowship and start to build relationships, it is easy for our selfish nature to creep in. The paradigm shift goes from “I should serve my brother” to “my brother should serve me”. This is especially difficult in these unprecedented times. The world is stressed, worried and this can affect us and our expectations.
The definition of selfish according to the Webster’s Dictionary - lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.
The definition of selfless according to Webster’s Dictionary - concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own; unselfish.
Read Proverbs 11:25
Our focus should be on what we have to give
GOD will make sure we are refreshed
Read John 15:12-14
We are commanded to lay down our lives for one another
We are a friend of God if we do
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Do not put our hope in physical things – these things are uncertain (check out the stock market right now)
Put our hope in God who provides for us. Depending on our brothers and sisters or having an expectation that they will serve us is in direct conflict with this scripture. Our hope should be in GOD, not in earthly things including what others can do for us.
Our deeds matter more
Ephesians 4:29-32
Build each other up
Get rid of every form of malice
Be kind and compassionate and forgive each other as we have been forgiven
I have observed church members portraying an attitude of expectation in how they should be served rather than how they can serve others. To be honest, I chose the subject matter for this devotional because the frustration I sometimes feel. The Holy Spirit brought me here because I needed this devotional. I need to get rid of any form of malice. I need to be building others up and I need to be compassionate and forgiving. My focus has been on others and not the expectation that GOD has set for me.
Thoughts to ponder
What expectations or sense of entitlement do I have towards my brothers and sisters?
How can I shift my paradigm to what GOD expects of me?
What can I do to help my brothers and sisters in this unprecedented time?