I have been reading a book by Tim Keller called "The Meaning of Marriage." You don't have to be married to read it. Actually, I think you should read it before you get married & then again while you are married. I'll have to remember that for when I am. Any day now, right God? ;) Anyway, I just read a section in the book on selfishness that I think we can relate to married or not.
According to 2 Corinthians 5:15 the essence of sin is living for ourselves, rather than for God and the people around us. Jesus can sum up the entire will of God for our lives in the two greatest commandments: to love & live for God rather than ourselves and to love and put the needs of others ahead of our own. (Matthew 22:37-40)
We live in a world that makes it so easy for us to be self-centered. It's an all about me mentality. How are you going to help me? I think we can go a long time and not even stop once to think about anyone other than ourselves. I don't wanna be like that. I don't wanna be that person. Or that friend. Or that sister. And no one wants to be around that person either.
It's all about being intentional. Making a conscious decision & effort to change. To live a selfless life. Not thinking less of yourself or more of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. It means taking your mind off of yourself & realizing that in Christ your needs are going to be met & you will have all that you need anyway. We have nothing to lose!
Let's try to start putting others needs above our own & start giving more. More time, more help & attention, more love, more effort in a friendship or relationship. Let's forget about what we want for once & think of ways we can help others in need. If you're reading this thinking, Yeah right, easier said than done, then maybe you should get over yourself. Will it be easy? I think that depends on the kind of person you are. Regardless, something needs to change. You don't get anywhere by staying in the same place. You have to make a move.
And random side note. I discovered this song today & have to share. It's by Brooke Fraser called C.S. Lewis Song. I can't stop listening to it... it's like my iPod's stuck on replay. ;)
