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.

Humility of Mind

"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 interest of others" (Philippians 2:3-4, NASB).

What does humility mean? Paul encouraged the Philippians to put others before self, instead of seeking ambition and praise for themselves first. He urged them to have "humility of mind." What does that look like?

Jesus gives us the perfect example of humility. He came to serve (Mark 10:44-45). He came to show us how to live on earth in honor to God. In His perfection, He chose mercy and compassion as He loved and healed people who were from different walks of life. He is God, and so He is distinct from the world. And yet, He loves it. Jesus endured in the face of suffering, so we could have a restored relationship and a new life with our Creator.

Looking at our perfect Savior, how can we be humble like Him? Growing in humility may be a process (at least it is for me). That's a reason why we need God, though. No challenge is too tough for Him, and He is there for us out of love. When we mess up in this regard, God is faithful to forgive sin when we confess it (1 John 1:9). He gives believers the Holy Spirit to help us grow (2 Corinthians 3:16-18).

As believers in Christ, we are told that "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16). By His strength and power, as we receive God's love and let Him work in us, we can live out humility and be a lighthouse to honor our Savior. We can let God and others be our chief concern, rather than letting personal interest or personal advantage be our main goal in life. A humble mind is driven by a love for God and others.

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but 

to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?" 
-Micah 6:8, NASB

Lord, thanks for showing us what humility looks like. Forgive us for any pride that blocks us from considering others before ourselves. Renew our minds, so we can walk humbly with You. Amen.

Photo from dailybibleplan.com.
Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).

A New Heart: Humility

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love..." (Ephesians 4:2a, NASB).

Do you know a story of someone showing humility?

By looking at the verse above, humility looks at another person in love. This sort of humility loves the Lord, because God is love and love comes from Him. Humility comes from the Holy Spirit working in us and through us. Out of this love and God's blessing, a person can look at someone else and remember that God has this unstoppable love for His creation.

In humility, we can:

• Remember and have faith in God's promises, knowing He has a plan for our lives
• Look at others with humility, realizing we are in as much need for God as they are
• Pray to live the humility that Christ displayed on earth for us, as He served God and reached out to others

Lord, thank You for giving us life. We need You, God - Your mercy, wisdom, direction and strength. Help us live with humility and point others to You. Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).

A New Heart

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12, New American Standard Bible).

Did you get to see the Golden Globes a week or so ago? I admit that I love watching for the clothes that are new and that show a certain style. Most clothes fit the tone of the star studded, glamorous event.

What life style fits just right for followers of Christ? The books of Colossians and Galatians talk about those things. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, He not only forgives us but also continues working in us. He is able to give us the strength to live out who He first made us to be.

The Spirit helps us have hearts more like Christ, filled with:

• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience

I think I need help in all of those areas. That is completely okay, though - God has grace and is still working in me. Let's pray He continues to work in our hearts in the ways this verse described, now that we have been made new in Christ and have the Holy Spirit as our guide.

Lord, thanks for Your forgiveness and taking the old ways out of us. Grow us in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Help us overflow with Your Spirit to others around us. Amen.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB). 

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.skiptomylou.org.

We pray for Christ's attitude

"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. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." 
-Philippians 2:3-5 (New American Standard Bible)   

What does Christ's attitude look like?  In this chapter, we can read how Christ is the ultimate example of selfless love.  God came down to earth and walked along the streets of His creation.  He showed us how to love with humility, even suffering on the cross, so we wouldn't have to pay the price for our sins against Him.

How does that impact us?  We are changed, not because we are wise or perfect, but because of what God does with our lives when we ask for forgiveness and turn to Him.  God is the One who can transform us from the inside out.  When we receive Him into our lives, we let Him take the reins and lead.  As He works on our hearts, He heals us.

How does this impact our life?  Recently, my community group, friends and family chipped in, in different ways, to help me move from Louisville to Houston.  Moving can take so much time and can feel exhausting, and it was a blessing to have their help.  As we serve Christ, God is working through us.  Hopefully, as we serve Him, others will see more of who this God that we serve is, and want to know Him, too.

Lord, thanks for sending Your Son, Jesus, to sacrifice for us.  Help us see how to have an attitude of humility.  Please help us live out of a deep love for you and a desire to help others know You, too.  Amen.

A great video - YouTube music video "Be" by Selah

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29, NASB).

For more study: Philippians 2:1-18, Romans 15, Philippians 1:1, Galatians 1:10

The above study was based on the "Praying God's Heart" guide for study from HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Martin, 1999).
Photo from icaruscreative.org

"walk humbly"

"As He began [His ministry], Jesus was about 30 years old and was thought to be the son of Joseph, [son] of Heli, [son] of Matthat, [son] of Levi...[son] of Seth, [son] of Adam, [son] of God" (Luke 3:23-24, 38; HCSB).

This book I am reading today is The Lost Letters of Pergamum by Bruce Longenecker.  I like how the layout is different - it's letters of fiction, back and forth, from different people who lived during Luke's life.  Most of what I've read so far represents a discussion that could have happened about the book of Luke in the Bible. 

On about page 62 of the book, one Roman "wrote" to Luke about how he didn't know the people in Jesus' lineage and that Nazareth, where Jesus was born, was pretty unimpressive.  I remember first reading that list in Luke and how I tended to breeze past it and not think much of it.  Now, though, I think Jesus' lineage and birthplace shows His humility. 

God's character stands out among others in history and today.  He keeps His promises, is self-sacrificing, has great mercy and is loving, as He also created everything and has authority over all things. 

It's my prayer that the Holy Spirit works in me and in all of us to make us humble like Him.  I pray we see our need for Him and see how to share Him with others this week.

"Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand streams of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, or the child of my body for my own sin? He has told you men what is good and what it is the Lord require of You: Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with Your God" (Micah 6:7-8, HCSB).

> fresh paint

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV).

My housemates and I are excited about renovations to the outside of our house.  It has been more than a fresh coat of paint, since the renovators have chopped down rotting trees, replaced wooden panels and power-washed the walls to remove dead vines. Now, new paint is being coated on, helping our house look more alive.

It reminded me of how, when we let God work in our lives, He is able to strip away all of the mess within us and give us a new spirit.  He gives us the Holy Spirit, when we follow Christ, and we are able to have a new life with Him.  I believe we need Him to renovate our lives, on the inside and the outside.

"I say then, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16, HCSB).  Anthony Hoekema helped me understand this verse more in his book, Created in God's Image.  He explained that this verse is a promise, rather than a threat (page 109).  God helps us live today.  This does not mean that we will be perfect today, but it has helped me see that He is the one who gives us strength and hope to follow Him.   

Will we let Him renovate our lives today?  Will we help others see how He can change us, from the inside out?

Music video, Hillsong United:  "From the Inside Out" - YouTube

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." –Matthew 6:21 (Holeman Christian Standard Bible)

Lately, a number of things have been reminding me of this verse. Rachel's fundraising story is one of them.

Recently, a girl that I babysit, whom I will call Rachel, added a new element to our game of school: fundraising. She asked me what city I was from again, and I smiled and said, "Houston, Texas." Rachel then explained that our next task was to raise money for the poor people in Houston. After she found an empty jar, she proceeded to imagine how we would raise the money to fill it. When her mom arrived home, she unveiled her plan!

Her excitement about the cause touched me. It made me question, "What are my time and efforts moving towards?" My first step should at least be spending less time scanning shopping websites!

The book Advanced Strategic Planning by Aubrey Malphurs (BakerBooks, 2005) suggests that churches look at their budgets and see in what categories their funds are allocated (p. 263). Malphurs points out that this is important for individuals as well (p. 258). This reminded me to evaluate my expenditures in time and money.

A verse that a friend reminded me of last night explains, "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow" (James 1:17, New Living Translation). How are we using our gifts? How would Jesus use them?

support in the faith

As I visit family and friends in Texas this week, I am reminded of how God works in so many ways. While I was shopping with my friend, I saw how she spoke of others highly, saying things like, "Won't she be perfect for that?" I think that it was an indication of Christ's joy and kindness living inside of her. In the book Humility, C.J. Mahaney notes that identifying evidences of grace in others around us is a way to live with humility. If we tell others of these evidences of grace that we see in them, I think it would help us encourage each other in our relationships with Christ.

Mahaney points out how Paul thanked God for fellow believers in his letters in the New Testament. For example, Paul writes in Romans 1:8, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world."

Mahaney presents a thought: if we actively look at how God is working in others, we can help them see God's movement in their life. This may motivate people to see how God is moving.
How can we identify the Holy Spirit moving? Galatians 5:22-23a reads, "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." When we see these characteristics flowing out of other believers, we are witnessing God's light shining in our world.

In verse 11 of Romans 1, Paul adds, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."

If we help point out God's light shining through others, then we may strengthen each other in our faith. I pray that we, as leaders and brothers and sisters in the faith, let others know when we see Christ working in their life. Like Mahaney writes, this practice will also help us see how God is at work everywhere!