Battling selfishness
'Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.' 1 Corinthians 10:24
Let's be honest, selfishness is a battle we fight daily. But it's a battle we've got to keep fighting. Left to get out of control selfishness will gradually dissolve your personality from the inside out. Thankfully the Bible is full of amazing examples to keep us focused: Paul and Silas were beat up and thrown in the cells but they still found the strength to minister to their jailer (Acts 16:32).
When young Stephen was being stoned to death, he prayed for those who were killing him, 'do not hold this sin against them' (Acts 7:59-60). And of course the ultimate example, when Jesus was hanging on the cross in intense pain, He took time for a condemned criminal hanging next to Him (Luke 23:39-43). How tempting it must have been for all these heroes to just think about themselves; they had every excuse, but their acts of love brought the fragrance of heaven down to earth.
When we begin to win the war against selfishness and walk in love, people will take notice; it's totally opposite to the way of the world. And let's remember, we'll never win the world by being like the world! So here's the question you need to answer: How many people might come to know Jesus if you could get your eyes off yourself and start paying attention to what they're going through? It's time to find out.
written by Bob Gass