Slaying Dragons: Selfishness — Monday
Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (NIV)
I am selfish. It’s true. If you read my last devotionals, you know these last couple of years have been difficult for my family. It’s led to depression, anxiety, frustration, and fatigue. To be perfectly honest, sometimes I just want something good to happen for us (although I know it actually has) and even just for me. Something to make me happy, make me smile, make me feel valued, or maybe just numb the pain. Ever been there? I know you have. When we are in these seasons, we search for these good things in different ways. Some may use a little retail therapy. Some may self-medicate by feeding an addiction. And some of us may look for opportunities that will validate our self-worth (that's mine). In whatever situation, we feel like we deserve better.
This isn’t how Jesus did it. Jesus is God! The greatest being in all of creation. The beginning and the end. Creator of all. All-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present in all of time and space. He humbled Himself. He allowed Himself to be born into this world as a baby—not in a hospital, but in a stable. He lived among us, taught us, loved us, was an example for us. When the time came, He humbled himself again and died a criminal’s death on a cross. What god does this? Our God! A God that doesn’t put stock in position. A God that put others’ value above His own.
You see, selfishness is a deadly sin. It won’t kill you instantly, but it kills you little by little. You want more—more for yourself, more happiness, more comfort, more wealth, more ease of life, and less pain. Why? Because we “deserve” it. But the more we strive for these things, the less connected we become to people and to God. And that's how it kills us.
Monday’s Reflection
Do an inventory of your day—your actions, your thoughts, and your emotions. What’s motivated out of selfishness? How can you choose humility? Ask God to show you.