Each one must give as he has decided in his heart,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Selfish people usually insist on having things
their own way. They have been known to cheat and
compete... even at the expense of others.
Selfish people hope to get something
without giving.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit,
but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3
People who are selfish gain little to soothe the soul.
A person who is selfish only thinks one way:
they are right in their actions and beliefs,
and we are wrong if we don't think the same way.
People with narcissistic tendencies
have errors in thinking which prevents them
from seeing both sides of the coin.
They build defenses such as denial,
and a strong need to be right.
They get what they want and feel no remorse.
Greater love has no one than this,
that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
Some even get a sense of feeling superior
when they get their way or make others feel bad.
Their outlook is so distorted
to the extent that they do not see reality as it is...
and cannot see the needs of other people.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,
but only such as is good for building up,
as fits the occasion,
that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
What good is it, my brothers,
if someone says he has faith but does not have works?
Can that faith save him?
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
and one of you says to them,
?Go in peace, be warmed and filled,?
without giving them the things needed for the body,
what good is that?
So also faith by itself,
if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17
Selfish people are the takers of the world.
They seek their own interest...
leaving pain and destruction
in their wake.
Almost every person either knows
or has come into close contact with a person such as this.
God wants us to love others and to be Be kind
and tenderhearted to one another.
He wants us to live in peace with as much as possible,
but He does not want us to lose our own identity,
totally change our personality,
or miss the calling He has placed on our life
in order to please another person
or try to keep peace at all cost.
All life demands struggle.
Those who have everything given to them
become lazy, selfish, and insensitive
to the real values of life.
The very striving and hard work
that we so constantly try to avoid
is the major building block
in the person we are today.
-Ralph Ranson
Selfishness is a natural human tendency.
Selfishness and self-centeredness seems to be a trap
many cannot avoid.
We read and hear of selfishness in our society
almost everyday.
Being selfish and trying
to impress others is meaningless.
No servant can serve two masters,
for either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and money.
Luke 16:13
Many people use the adjective "selfish"
to describe regard for one's own welfare
to the disregard of the well-being of others.
A selfish person is typically seen as self-involved
and their behavior reflects little or no empathy for others.
People with narcissistic thinking and behavior
strive to defend their fragile self esteem through fantasy
and have blind spots in their thinking.
They prefer living in a fantasy world
where all their needs are met
and unrealistic expectations take the place of life.
They become involved in material things, vanity,
and are shallow.
They develop excessive life long interest
in things that are not real.
Selfishness was the reason
the archangel Lucifer became the Devil
and it was a part of his tactic when he tempted Eve.
A secure person is comfortable with where they stand
in the world, even if it's not at the top.
An insecure person feels safe if they're above everybody.
If that position seems threatened, they go through some
crazy mental contortions to place themselves
back on top again.
If someone comes along who is objectively
better than them on some level,
they will find a way to knock the other person
back down to earth.
We must take a look at our thinking
if we always find ourselves cutting down people who are in a better position than we are.
Ideally, we want to appreciate them and maybe learn something from them.
Constantly knocking people down makes one stagnant.
Rather than grow, one will just stay where they are
and mentally prune back any challenges to their position.
May we look out, not only for our own interests,
but take an interest in others, too.
Therefore if there is any encouragement,
if there is any consolation of love,
if there is any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any affection and compassion,
make My joy complete by being of the same mind,
maintaining the same love,
united in spirit,
intent on one purpose.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,
but with humility of mind
regard one another as more important than yourselves;
do not merely look out for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
One people.
One Universe.
Every color, every tongue,
together on one accord.
May we be humble, and not become oblivious
to the fact that the universe is occupied
by more than just ourselves.
We could get so much accomplished
if we could connect with God and each other...
agree wholeheartedly with each other,
love one another,
and work together with one mind and one purpose.
And the people all replied with one accord,
'Everything that Yahweh has said, we will do.'
Exodus 19:8
Our Supreme example is our Savior.
We must have the same attitude that Jesus had.
He took the humble position of a slave.
He humbled Himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal?s death on a cross.
Philippians 2:1-8
The night is far gone; the day is at hand.
So then let us cast off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:12
May we imitate the humility of Christ.
Every day we should be willing to ? deny ourselves,
take up our cross and follow Him.
Think of what a difference that would make
in our homes and in the world.
