It is that time of the year where we think more of ourselves than others. Yes I am being a bit cynical, but tell me it is not true. Now I cannot say that everyone feels this way, but it sure seems like it at times.
Lets face it, parents say they are thinking of their kids, but are they really? They spend ridiculous amounts of money on their children for their love. They will go into debt that takes 6+ months to pay off just to hear those words “I love you!”. Tell me that is not being selfish. They buy stuff that they want versus what they need so they can feel better about themselves, then complain later that they do not have enough money. Tell me that to is not being selfish. Love both external and internal cannot be bought. So stop it now
I am not trying to kill the capitalistic attitude our society has. If we do not spend money on a regular basis, then our society collapses. No, communism and socialism are not the answer either. We just need to learn to spend our money more responsibly and be content with what we have.
We need to learn to help others versus always helping ourselves. Giving is far better than receiving and leads to one of the greatest feelings in world, but like anything else it depends on why you are giving. If you are giving so that you will be recognized or so that others will give to you, then I am sorry that is being selfish.
John F Kennedy in his inaugural address said the following: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Where has this attitude gone? This statement made by JFK was to challenge all of us to contribute in someway to the public good. These days, it is more about what can the country and everyone else do for me.
With all this being said, there is one that was not selfish and that is God. He sent His son down to die for our sins. To be clear, God did not have to do this, but He chose too out of love for us. Also, while Jesus was here, He too was not selfish. In fact He would run Himself ragged most of the time to spread His message to man.
We will never be like Jesus, but we can evaluate our life to determine if we are selfish. Maybe this season, you do something nice for another just because.