Selfishness is a part of our construct and human nature. It is a part of our DNA. Many think a degree of selfishness is required for survival.
However, a degree of generosity or charity is also required for human decency.
Remember, as children, we kicked, pouted, and cried, “Mine!” It’s mine!
Sharing or giving to others wasn’t our first thought or priority.
It was all about me, me, me.me….
Of course, many parents demanded and explained that we share with our siblings, friends, and others. They taught us to be compassionate and considerate of others.
Believe it or not, some self-centered children grow up and become self-centered adults. These self-centered adults become employees, community leaders, and employers. Some of these self-centered adults are elected to public offices and govern in a self-centered manner.
The pronouns of selfishness are me, myself, and I.
Selfishness is a mean, lean nature whereby one considers one’s wants and needs before considering those of others.
Kids may overeat to avoid sharing their food or goodies. What about a young person who refuses to give their seat to a senior who has to stand?
People are selfish for many reasons:
Some are selfish because they never learned how to share and consider others.
Some are taught if you don’t look out or take care of yourself, no one else will.
Some people believe it’s all about them and not anyone else.
Some believe others should take care of their own needs.
Some want to be the big dog who has to have it all.
Some may fear being without.
Some believe it’s a dog-eat-dog world.
Some believe first come, first serve.
Selfish people always take and expect more than they need. They look out for themselves in every circumstance and at all costs.
In many instances, selfish people treat others the way they were treated. No one was considerate or empathetic toward them, and they may emulate this treatment.
Being a product of one’s environment is not unusual.
Kind and generous people are, more often than not, recipients or beneficiaries of compassion and are prone to treat others in a like manner.
In the Rich Fool parable, Jesus teaches us that selfishness is foolish and is the meat of fools.
In Luke 12:15 (KJV), Jesus says, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Covetousness is an unbridled desire for things that leads to sin and being inconsiderate of others.
The Bible teaches us to be “rich toward God.” We are rich toward God when we share God’s blessings with others.
“He that layeth up treasure for himself is not “rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 (KJV)
Worldly treasures that satisfy the appetite, body, and world are not to be desired more than Godly treasures of faith, love, and generosity to others.
Here is a beautiful poem about others.
Others
Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for others.
Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I’d for You
Must needs be done for others.
Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep: and all in vain
Except to live for others.
So, when my work on earth is done,
And my new work in heav’n’s begun,
I’ll praise You for the crown I’ve won.
But praise You more for others.
Others, Lord, others
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others.
That I may live like Thee. Author, Anonymous
We need more compassionate citizens and leaders.
I’m praying for those federal employees who were fired and who will be fired.
Continue to trust God, who will supply your needs.
I’m praying for America.
Praying that you have the joy of God and be well.