Turning from Selfishness

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways. (Luke 9:23, NLT)

To be selfish means to think only or primarily of yourself, your points of view, your life, your needs, feelings, etc.

It does not take much thought or practice to be self-absorbed, self-centered, or self-focused. Our selfishness comes naturally. We enter life that way and some never grow beyond that. But to become as Christ says here—like him—we must turn from or trade selfishness, embracing the same attitude, character and heart he has—which is selflessness, otherliness, inclusive.

Contrary to what we may think, selflessness does not mean total disregard for self or that we are unimportant. It does not mean neglecting your “self” or putting your self last, it simply means making room in your heart, thoughts, and attitude to care about and for others and to consider them as important as you are. That’s all Jesus asks us to do. Let’s Pray,

Jesus, sometimes we make things out to be harder or more difficult that they are intended. But you example for us that living selflessly or having regard or consideration is not hard or taxing at all. We want to be your followers so help us to grasp and then practice these basic principles you show and tell us. Amen

Questions for Soul-Tending:

What does this lesson make you think or feel?

Can you see how this principle will help you incorporate and give even better care of your own self and needs?