The Sin of Selfishness

Kari Beougher

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

This past weekend I kept my sisters 4 kids, ages 6 and under. I absolutely adore my nieces and nephews and above all other career choices desire to one day be a mother. However, this weekend was a strong indication for me of my selfishness. I am convinced that being a mother is one of the most selfless endeavors tin existence. Every moment of parenting is spent serving, cleaning. feeding and caring for another. This past weekend, I realized how pervasive selfishness is. It is so easy to be selfish with time, money, plans, relationships- and yet that is not the mindset or attitude Christ calls believers to.

The passage in Philippians goes on to say, "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Phillippians 2:5-8. Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of the world, exemplified the most selfless attitude and actions of all time. And because He dwells inside believers, we are able to choose to love others above ourselves.

Today may we pray with the psalmist, "Incline my heart to your testimonies and not toward selfish gain!" (Psalm 119:36). May we actively look for opportunities to serve others and put their interests above our own.

Form of a Bond-Servant

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who...emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant..." (Philippians 2:5-6a, 7a).

Jesus was a sort of bond-servant to God - He served God above all else. What does it mean that He emptied Himself? Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. Even though He was God, He left His home and came to earth. He didn't lose His identity as divine, since we know He experienced temptations but was still without sin. He endured ridicule from some and suffering on the cross, knowing that He was God's Son and that He had a greater purpose to be a part of God's plan - to save His people.

How can we have the attitude of a bond-servant, like Christ? Christ served God first, no matter the cost. As believers, we've acknowledged our need of Him and received His grace. We now seek to serve Him first, but we can still struggle. Trip Lee offers encouragement in this arena, from his song, "We Told 'Em" -

"So we know that He's great, but we don't reflect Him well,

So when we told 'em that He saves, it was hard for them to tell

So it's time to live this thing, in light of the God who reigns

Let's not try to cause Him pain, show them a pic of the God who came."

Lord, thank You for showing us amazing grace. Work in us and help us put You first in our lives. Help us be a changed people, people who are a better reflection of You. Amen.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men" (Colossians 3:23).

For a reference on being a bond-servant to Christ, see Paul's note in Galatians 1:10.
Verses from the New American Standard Bible.
Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Hear Trip Lee's song, "We Told 'Em," on YouTube here.