Selfishness: The Silent Sickness Of Humanity
- John Nolan
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Certain attitudes have become more apparent and widespread in recent years, some of which previous generations would have been ashamed of. These attitudes cannot be diagnosed and treated by a doctor, nor can they be avoided by taking care of ourselves physically or by going to the gym. Why? Because it is a sickness of the heart, and one that has become intrinsically part of our human nature. Selfishness: The Silent Sickness of Humanity looks at selfishness from practical, relational, and biblical perspectives.
Selfishness: The Silent Sickness Of Humanity
selfishness:
Selfishness is the excessive or exclusive concern for one’s own advantage, pleasure, or welfare, often prioritizing personal desires at the expense of—or with complete disregard for—the needs and well-being of others
Introduction
Let me start by saying there's nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional treat, a holiday, or a small indulgence. Enjoying these or merely looking forward to them often helps us get through difficult times in life. However, when we are constantly bombarded with images and portrayals of those who seem to get everything they want in life, it is sometimes difficult to cope with the feeling of missing out.
But are we really missing out?
As men, fathers, and husbands, our lives are often centred on carrying responsibility, the protection, provision, and guidance of our families. In these areas, we live lives of self-sacrifice, quietly serving our families and fulfilling our role as leaders. The benefits we receive may not always be measurable in dollar value, but they have a greater, more eternal and heavenly worth in the sight of God. Those who do not live lives of service toward their families and others neglect their duty as men.
"Selfishness creates an imbalance in life, and if left unchecked, it can lead to harm for both ourselves and others."
A Sign Of The Times
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Perilous:
Peril refers to exposure to immediate danger, risk, or harm. It can describe a dangerous
situation (e.g., being "in peril") or the specific cause of potential injury or destruction
Times of peril in the world have been identified through biblical prophecy as stemming from those with selfish attitudes. Selfishness is often based on the desire to find fulfillment through enjoying experiences. The experiences of pleasure, pride, or prestige are relentlessly pursued by those living selfishly.
Where the Disease Began
The Origin Of Selfishness
The Bible reveals that sin actually began in heaven among the angels of God and ultimately came to earth, affecting and infecting everything it touched, and then marred God's greatest creation, Mankind.
“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’ (Isaiah 14:12-14)
The 5 'I Wills' found in (Isaiah 14) identified Lucifer's transformation from a being created solely to serve God's will and into a creature committed to self-indulgence and self-exaltation.
The fallen archangel Lucifer was cast out of heaven and became Satan after he created sin in rebellion against God's rule. Satan then brought sin into mankind through the deception of Eve in the Garden of Eden. Now all mankind is both separated from God through sin and in need of a Saviour, and compelled by our fallen nature at times to become selfish or wicked.
Diagnosing the Problem
How Do I Know if I Am Selfish?
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:14-18)
This scripture in the book of James both identifies the problem (envy and self-seeking) and the answer required to overcome it (the wisdom that is from above). Taking the time we need to consider where we stand concerning selfishness is often beneficial. It may even bring forth a desire to cry out to God for the help required to change.
The Antidote
Selflessness:
Selflessness is the quality of prioritizing the needs, well-being, and interests of others above one's own. Also known as altruism, it focuses on empathy and kindness without the expectation of personal gain or reward
Living in God's Kingdom
Jesus Christ is our great example in this area, as in so many others. His life of honour and self-sacrifice redefined what it meant to be fully human. Being kind, generous, and caring for others is transformative within the human heart. When we do the right things in life, we feel that it is right on the inside, within our hearts.
Jesus taught: Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12)
Paul the Apostle said: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
The Results and Benefits
The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.
(Proverbs 11:25)
A life of selfless service is its own reward, but most often it comes with a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment. The biblical principle of sowing and reaping applies in many areas of life and can open divine opportunities to you that would have previously remained closed.
Obstacles Along The Pathway Toward Selflessness
A rich young ruler once came to Jesus seeking to discover the true path to heaven. He wanted to do something worthy of heaven, but Jesus required not merely his actions but his whole life.
Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do
that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:16-22)
If you really want to live for God, your faith and commitment will be challenged. God knows exactly what you need to do to go to the next heavenly level, and what He asks of you will never be easy, but always achievable with His help.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot
5 Practical Things You Can Do To Overcome Selfishness
1 Listen to understand and not merely to reply
2 Help others when you see them in need
3 Let love motivate your giving
4 Consider how your actions may affect others before you proceed
5 Learn to exercise self-control in relation to your desires
"Being kind and generous alone won't get you into heaven; it is, however, a light shining upon a path that leads in the right direction."
I hope you found this helpful
God Bless
John Nolan
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