Have you ever had the experience of smelling something bad
but couldn’t quite figure out what it was or where it was coming from? If not identified
and dealt with soon, it eventually gets bad enough that the location becomes readily
apparent. Even though it’s unpleasant,
to leave it there would mean continued stinkyness and possibly serve as an
invitation to critters you’d probably rather not be in close proximity to.
Sometimes selfishness can be like that. Something may not
feel quite right in your life but it isn’t immediately identifiable. Looking out for yourself is not inherently
bad but pursuit of self-interest to the exclusion of closely walking with God
leads down a path for which the reward is emptiness.
“Let each of you look not only to his
own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ
Jesus.” –Philippians 2:4-5
He gifts each of us with abilities and talents not for
self-glorification but for serving Him and others. There's nothing wrong with
doing what He’s gifted you at with excellence; just make
sure the focus is in the right place.
Selfish desires have a way of getting us off track and into
things that we later regret. If nothing else, they keep us from spending time
with God and pursuing His plans for our lives. That in itself should be enough motivation
to consistently examine the heart’s motives and desires.
If you find something stinky, don’t hesitate in taking out
the trash. Replace it instead with pure living water. (
John 7:37-38)
Is there any selfishness stinking up your life?
In pursuit of His best,
Andrew
