Selfishness

As the swim team was on their way back from a meet today, it was interesting for me to hear one of the guys exclaim on how selfish some people can be. Now the context it was said doesn't apply to this post, but that comment stuck with me and so here goes nothing.

selfishness

–adjective

1. devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.

2. characterized by or manifesting concern or care only for oneself

 

Upon reading that definition, if you don't think you've ever portrayed this kind of behavior, well good for you and I would love to meet you. Now for myself, this definitely rings true. When was the last time I truly wanted to do something for the betterment of others? Was my motive for that pure or was it to perhaps gain a goal in the future? So many times I've been the good steward for my own causes so that I could better myself..... Shamefaced I am, and unfortunately as much as I would love to never exhibit this again, that won't be happening. However I aim to steer away from this as much as I can. 

But why do I do this? Why can't I just be selfless all the time? Its sad that when this happens everyone, myself included, blames this on sin and our flesh. However we can fight back. We've been given the ability go above and beyond, to fight against our flesh. 

It's hard though. This battle sucks. It's draining. But we can win. 

Now as you fight back, you'll come to realize the joys of being selfless.

Acts of kindness bring out happiness, happiness leads to smiles, smiles lead to more smiles, and that leads to an overall better attitude towards life and everything else. 

Is that not what all of us want? 

Aim to do so. 

Be different.

Be selfless, I dare you.