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Our default setting is selfishness.
Don’t believe it? Try hanging out with a toddler for a day.
Toddlers want what they want, and they want it now. Toddlers will fight (and sometimes bite) to maintain dominion over their prized possessions. Toddlers have little concern for schedules, agendas, or perfectly white walls.
The good news about toddlers—and people in general—is that they have the capacity to change into selfless people as they grow. But, if toddlers aren’t lovingly redirected and taught how to consider others, that selfishness will continue.
So if we’re naturally self-centered humans, how do we train our minds not to default to selfishness?
The Bible encourages us to model our lives after Jesus…
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”
Philippians 2:3-5 NIV
Jesus didn’t leverage His authority for personal advantage—power, pleasure, control, or comfort—but took on the nature of a servant.
Jesus spent His time investing in others.
Jesus focused His attention on helping others.
Jesus gave up His own life for others.
If you find yourself becoming self-obsessed, self-indulgent, or even a little self-righteous, consider asking God for His help.
- Ask Him to help you see people the way He does.
- Ask Him to use any knowledge you gain to love Him and serve others.
- Ask Him to put opportunities in your path to lead others toward Him.
The Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and relationships with other believers are what refines our hearts. And with God’s help, we can change our tendency from living selfishly into living selflessly.
