ME, ME, ME

I am going to confess.  One sin that I struggle with is selfishness or self-centeredness. We are born with an innate desire to be the center of the universe.  A baby wants only to be taken care of; his needs are the only thing on his mind.  If I am hungry; feed me!  If my diaper is wet; change me! Cuddle me! Rock me! Me, Me, Me!  Then we get to the stage where the child learns the word: Mine!  Try taking candy from a baby….it ain’t easy!  They quickly learn that if they want something, it should be theirs. They very quickly learn the word…mine, mine, mine.

As we mature, we should develop an attitude of humility.  The world doesn’t revolve around us!  In Philippians 2:4, the Apostle Paul says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others”. That doesn’t come naturally to us.  Only Jesus living in us can change our nature.  I see this sin in myself every day.  On the road, I want to get to my destination as quickly and easily as possible.  I have trouble with yielding to others and being courteous.  And, I easily think unkind thoughts if somebody pulls out in front of me or changes lanes abruptly.  And, I really lose all patience when I go to Walmart.

I used to have a refrigerator magnet that reminded me that JOY was Jesus, Others, You. I need that reminder every day.  Among the fruits of the Spirit are longsuffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)  All of those should be evident in my life.  They would keep me from being selfish and self-centered. Jesus always put others first; He expects nothing less from us.

Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Humility is funny…if you think you have it, guess what?  You don’t!  It is best shown by putting others before yourself.  I have discovered that many times when I “do unto others as I would have them do unto me”, I am contented. This world would be so different if we each did as Jesus commanded.

Now that I have confessed, I ask God to forgive me of the sin of selfishness.  He will do that.  I need to grow in Him and strive to walk humbly with Him.  Will you join me?