The gravitational pull....the tidal drift of our world is always toward self. We all have our moments where we step out and do heroic things for God and others. But make no doubt about it....if we are honest with ourselves.....the default is always toward: "What's in it for me?" In fact, it's quite embarrassing to be a Christian and admit that we are basically selfish. That's why most people think this scripture is written for someone else! Who have you heard lately just flat out admit that they think life is all about them and getting what they want?
One of the ways that we shut down selfishness in our lives and grow to become more like Christ is through focusing on the interests of others and not just ourselves. When you walk away from everyday conversations, was the content of those conversations more about you, your perspective, your thoughts, or your stories? At times, do you remember everything you said but have no idea what the other person in the conversation said? Do you sometimes make assumptions about people and automatically see them in a negative light only to find later that if you would have truly sought to understand their perspective that you would have responded differently? If you stopped to take an honest inventory of your social interactions, do you ever submit your desires for the sake of others in the selection of activities? Do you tend to always jump to the front of a line or do you allow others to go ahead of you? Do you find yourself relating to others strategically in order to get what you want or do you spend time with others for the sake of just enjoying the relationships? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are probably teetering close to the line of self-centeredness. You don't intend to come across that way but without any intentionality in putting other's interests first, you tend to drift into a more "me-centered" place. One of the greatest ways you will model the life of Christ today will be in the way you choose to take a genuine interest in others and learn to serve selflessly.
Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to get outside of "me" long enough to live for Your glory by the way I love and serve others today. Amen.
Pastor Jerry Sweat
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