Self

Bill Brinkworth

Today’s society has developed into one that is more concerned about “self” than “others”. No matter the guise of making people “feel good about themselves”, or “you are the most important person,” it is still selfishness. Selfishness is the root of many of our society’s and personal problems. The life motto of too many reads, “me first”, “my rights”, “what can I get out of a relationship”, or “what’s in it for me?” Selfishness has never worked and never will.

Selfishness:

The Bible teaches just the opposite life style in order to have true joy and peace in one’s life. Its pages are crammed full of those that sacrificed for others, rather than give in to their own self-gratification. Self-denial is taught and encouraged in the Bible. Moses did all he could for God and His people; as did Ezekiel, Joshua, prophets, priests, and most of the New Testament disciples. However, fingerprints of selfishness were left on the failures of many including Aaron, Abimelech, Adam, Ahab, Cain, David, Eve, Samson, Solomon, Saul, and other biblical characters.

Jesus, God’s only Son, taught and lived a selfless life. He came and lived, not for His own needs and wants, but so that others could have peace and a promise of eternal life. Jesus even died for others. He should be our example.
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30
“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38

 God’s Son admonished us to deny ourselves and to put God first in our lives. Nowhere do the scriptures teach to put one’s self first and to be self-centered.
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
“And he [Jesus] said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 Also: Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34

Too many wince at the thought of a lifestyle like Christ’s and the other biblical selfless examples.. “If I don’t meet my own needs, no one else will,” is the selfish motive behind much self-centered behavior. Where is God in that thinking? Can He not meet all your needs and even desires?

The key is found in Matthew 6:31-33 and Galatians 2:20:
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? … But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:31-33
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Forget about yourself and your own needs! Put Christ first in your life. Do as He commands. Most of His commands have to do with meeting the needs of others. Think of the times you were the happiest. It was probably at a time you were doing for others. When you are not the center of attention, you will find yourself more content and fulfilled.

If you put Him first and the obey His commands he will meet your needs or provide the means for them to be met. He definitely takes care of and protects His faithful own.

 “The very heart and root of sin is an independent spirit. We erect the idol self, and not only wish others to worship, but worship it ourselves.” — Cecil

 

This lesson was featured in The Bible View #200.

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