Selfishness

21 Aug

“The sin which is indulged to the greatest extent, which separates us from God and produces so many spiritual disorders, and which are contagious, is selfishness.”  ~ Ellen G. White

Selfishness is a difficult sin to address because, for many reasons, it is extremely hard to point out when one is being selfish as that person always views his or her decisions and actions differently, oftentimes justifying them one way or another.  That is why it is insidious and can take root in someone’s life so easily.

Jesus constantly challenged His disciples to look outward so that they could see and address the needs of others.  If we look to ourselves and try to take care of our own dreams and desires first, we very well may miss the plight of those around us.  Even worse, we might have been the only ones who would have come to their aid.

It is sad to say but I have seen something like this play out many times.  I have heard of people in great need being passed over by so many.  The reasons for passing them over were varied.  Some were too frightened to help.  Some “didn’t want to get involved.”  Some didn’t know how long helping would take them.  Others didn’t know if they would be stuck taking care of them over and over again.  Finally, there were still others who doubted whether there was a real need present.

Confronted with the choice of taking care of ourselves or of helping others, we will often take care of ourselves first and most generally let the other go by the wayside.  If you have been looking out for yourself more, consider looking out for the needs of others first and see what a difference it makes in your life.

FAITH ACTION:  Ask God for the grace to put others before yourself today.