My Satisfaction At Your Expense

In a world of instant gratification and the worship of self, coupled with our sinful hearts, we always grapple with the damaging nature of selfishness. It is essentially saying, ‘be at my service at all cost’- it just doesn’t matter how.

We hurt others when we make life revolve around us without giving thought to the other person. We look out for our needs at the expense of the next person; It’s all about what serves us or make us comfortable. It’s never about giving thought to our brother or sister. Selfishness, unchecked leaves us empty and drives away those who really matter-those who seek our best interest at heart.

In 1 Corinthians 13 where the infamous love verse is quoted, Paul says love is not selfish. How is love not selfish? It does not make decisions that end up gratifying self and leaving the other person destitute or discouraged.

In light of the above, it stands to reason that to overcome this evil that plagues our hearts, we ought to ask the LORD to transform our hearts and steer them towards a life of selflessness- one which does not make us burn out and joyfully serving others in a more godly and fulfilling way.

The next time you are tempted to make a decision, it is helpful to do a heart check; Are my actions genuinely encouraging my brother or sister? Is it one that will leave my brother or sister content or discontent? Is it one that ultimately serves my own interest at the expense of my brother or sister?

Philippians 2:3-4 New International Version (NIV)

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Have a blessed weekend!