Selfish ?

Saturday 5 June 2021

Selfish ?

2 Timothy 3.2 - For men will be selfish,

The term “selfish” occurs only once in the New Testament. He translates the Greek "philautos", contracture of the two words : "philos", to have friendship and "cars", oneself. So a simple translation could be: to have friendship for oneself. Obviously this only becomes negative when this feeling supplants "love" towards others.

If we want to know if we are selfish, we just need to analyze our choices. Whenever my own desire comes to "refuse" a gesture of love towards those around me, I am selfish ! If I have € 300 in front of me, and I choose to change my phone when my wife needs a new washing machine, I am selfish. If I let my wife take out the trash while doing “morning grace,” I'm selfish. More subtle, if I sulk in my corner because I feel upset and deprive others of my affection, I am selfish. More subtly still, if I enjoy life without any thought for my God, if my relationship with Him is limited to a list of requests, if I never pour out my heart before Him in a movement of worship, I am selfish !

Yes my beloved, selfishness is everywhere. Even though little is said about it in the Word of God, it is ingrained in us as an antidote to love, poisoning our human relationships and destroying them irreparably. The Word of God has emphasized the manifestation of love rather than the negative. We can sum it up with these words : “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6.38). And Paul adds : "Love does not seek its interest" (1 Corinthians 13.5).

Your question may be : "If I start to 'forget myself', who will think of Me ?". The Lord will know how to fill you with his grace and meet all your needs, whether material or emotional. You may be deprived of the superfluous, but the joy and peace that flood your heart will be priceless !

Good reflection.

Source (Ezekiel 37 Ministries)