Selfishness

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Selfishness

Php 2:3-8 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Paul is not saying here that you should be absorbed in other people's worldly or fleshly interests, but rather to look out for their best interest - that is, what is good for them. For often what others are interested in is not in their best interest. Christians should have on their minds as to what is in the best interest of others. Many could care less about the problem of sin. But Jesus saw it in their best interest to deal with that problem.

As with Jesus, looking out for the best interest of others does not mean that you'll be appreciated for doing so. But then again while the selfish are only in it for their own personal benefit, the selfless are willing to face what they must for benefit of others.

Envy and selfish ambition go hand in hand with every evil practice. So "let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Gal 5:26

The solution to Selfishness is Selflessness through service. Look to benefit others without regard as to what you get out of it. Rather than seeking your own success, try to make someone else successful. Some of John the Baptist's disciples came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan— the one you testified about— well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. ... He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:26,27,30 Don't try to make a name for yourself. Try to make a name for someone else.

The Sin Series
 

Dave-W

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The solution to Selfishness is Selflessness through service.
But even that desire to be rid of selfishness is in itself selfish. It is trying to better one’s self.
 
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