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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Self-less or Self-ish
We know about selfishness, for we all have a little of it in our own behavior. Seldom do we see a truly self-less person, and perhaps that is not as bad as some may say. In takeoff preparation, the flight attendant reminds us that in the event of a loss of oxygen we should first attach the oxygen supply to ourselves, and then assist our children with the equipment. In other words, save yourself so you can save your child.
Webster defines “self-less” in one word: unselfish. Christians are not forbidden to give consideration to themselves, for there are some self-obligations that must be in place before we can be of service to others. On Pentecost Peter was inspired to say:
“Save yourselves from this crooked generation,” Acts 2:40.
After this, those who obeyed the gospel were told to take that same gospel to the whole world.
The Bible demands that we look first to our own weaknesses before we seek to solve the problems of others. That’s not only biblical, but it makes good sense. A proper attitude about self is vital to all.
However, it is very easy for any of us to fall into an attitude of “me-first” in our relationships with others. Our attitude toward self must be in harmony with the words of the Holy Spirit in the following passages:
- “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others,” Philippians 2:3.
- “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?… Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye,” Matthew 7:1-5.
- “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted,” Gal. 6:1.
“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward,” 2 John 1:8.
- “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not…that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5.
Therefore, before we attempt to advise or teach others we must be aware of our own shortcomings lest we lose credibility with those to whom we want to be of service. But, though we must have proper regard for self, we must not allow selfishness to rule our lives. We must “look to ourselves,” then look to the needs and best interests of others. The word most often used to describe the love between fellow Christians is agape, defined as a love that “puts the needs and service of others ahead of our own.” It is not an easy task, however, and usually takes great effort to do so.
How do we rid ourselves of selfishness?
First of all, we look to the fact that Christians are given that task, commanded to be unselfish, as we have seen.
Second, we must learn to love our neighbor as Jesus has instructed: “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” James 2:8. Therein lies the key—looking to others as having needs and doing what we can to fulfill those needs. We cannot love others without having a proper attitude toward self.
Third, we must be willing to expend the time and energy to accomplish this task. Yes, we will have to take time from our own pleasures—which will not be easy at first—but will bring great satisfaction to our souls.
Fourth, we would be more inclined to do these things if we realized the magnificent truth found in Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” Acts 20:35. Once we discover this blessedness, Satan will have a hard time stopping us in our good, selfless deeds.
Fifth, remember that your neighbor has a soul that will occupy eternity in either heaven or hell, and your efforts may be the deciding factor in their eternal destination.
Last, but not least, remember that this is not an optional matter, but one mandated to all of us by our Lord. We must rid ourselves of selfishness if we seek heaven as our eternal home.
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“He who lives only to benefit himself confers on the world a benefit when he dies.”
“No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.”
“Only those who have helped themselves know how to help others, and to respect their right to help themselves.”
“All the affectionate feelings of a man for others are an extension of his feeling for himself.”
“Selfishness is that vice which no one will forgive in others, and no one is without in himself.”
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Signposts on the Way to Apostacy
We know how important it is for us to be aware of the symptoms of disease. The signs indicating the possibility of cancer or some other malady may save our lives and/or those of our loved ones. To ignore these symptoms can be an extremely dangerous choice. Medical experts continually expend large amounts of funds on research hoping to warn our population of the symptoms that eventuate in life-threatening diseases.
There are also symptoms of spiritual disease, that of departing from the faith, and giving heed to these signs could well be the instrument by which our souls are saved eternally. Are any of the following signs of drifting away from Christ present in your life? Consider them before it is too late to arrest the disease. No disease of mankind is as serious as eternal damnation.
- Can you easily put hobbies, your work, TV or other activities ahead of your commitment to Christ?
- Is it becoming a bore for you to attend the assembly and worship God? Can you miss a Sunday without feeling guilty?
- Has Bible study been programmed out of your normal routine? Has it been a long time since you attended Bible class?
- Do you find yourself being critical of the song leaders, the preacher and teachers, the elders and deacons?
- When you do discuss the work and activities of the church, do you usually speak of them as something for other people?
- Do you suddenly realize that you give little of yourself, your time, your money and your energy for the work of the church?
- Does your conscience no longer bother you when you fail to do what God has commanded? Or when you commit overt sin?
- Do you feel no urgency to share the gospel with your friends, family and associates?
- Do you spend more money and time on golf, fishing, movies, computers or the race track than you give to God's work?
- Have you found that most of your closest friends are not Christians, and that you have little interest in being with Christians?
If these symptoms are developing in your life, stop now and determine you will change your ways! Don't delay!
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