Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that our culture encourages gross self-centeredness. The daily bad news covers this on every front including national and international news and politics; local tragedies du jour; character-based crimes in sports and other entertainments; even encouragement of greed in classified ads. Most bad news is the result of some form of egotism, materialism, lust, conceit, pride, power-grabbing, arrogance or self-aggrandizement. It’s the desire to have what someone else has…no wait, MORE than that!
As a fallen race, we are born selfish…it’s in our spiritual DNA. Sometimes a more authentic prayer than the one Jesus taught might go something like this:
“Oh Father in heaven, hallowed be my name. My dreamdom come, my will be done on earth, then later in heaven. Give me each day a lot of bread, and don’t dwell on my sin but on those who sin against me. And when I yield to temptation, don’t view me as evil. For MINE is this dreamdom, my power and my glory forever. Amen.”
How do we combat our inbred selfish inclinations? Here are a few words of wisdom:
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25). There’s a reciprocal nature to generosity. Practicing selflessness blesses us with spiritual renewal, growth and refreshment.
Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full - pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap (Luke 6:38). Jesus is clear on giving: the amount we give will determine the amount we get back in return. He promises abundance to those who give without selfish motives.
Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give (Proverbs 21:26)! True joy is found in giving where there is need…of our time, skills, talents, extra resources and money and stuff.
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love (Ephesians 4:2). Counteracting our natural selfishness comes when we develop a spirit of understanding, humility, patience, gentleness, and tender love for others.
Easy-peasy, huh? Lord help us all!
Prayer:
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting (Ps. 139: 23-24). Amen.