June 9, 2008

Selfish Versus Selfless, Which One Are You?

Webster’s dictionary defines selfishness as taking care of one’s own comfort, pleasure or interest without regard for others.

Selflessness describes the very opposite of selfishness. Selflessness causes us to put the need of others above our own.

The bible clearly states in Philippians 2:3-4: 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

How can we be selfish? Is it selfish to always choose the restaurant or movie when going out with friends?

Is it selfish to always control the remote for the television with no consideration of what others want to see?

Is it selfish to take little care, concern or consideration for others or their things because you take no care, concern or consideration for your own things?

Is it selfish to ask a houseguest to stay out of your bedroom, while giving them full reign of the rest of your home? Is it selfish to go into the person’s room even when you have been asked not to, because you want to watch the TV? Is it selfish to go into their personal things, applying makeup, perfume, lotions and other items without permission?

Is it selfish to put your needs and desires above taking care of the needs of your children and family? Spending the excess monies at the club, casino or on new personal items for yourself?
Is it selfish to allow your spouse to take on the complete responsibility for the families’ finances or caring for the home, when you know it creates an unnecessary burden on them?
Is it selfish to leave your family for another man or women because they make you feel something you no longer feel with your spouse?

Is it selfish to eat the food you know your roommate purchased for themselves, without permission or consideration for the fact that they purchased it?

Is it selfish to use someone’s last with no ability to replace what you have used?

Is it selfish to spend someone else’s money without their permission?

He’s another women’s husband, but they are having problems in their relationship, so I’m just going to provide for the needs she can’t. Is it selfish?

It is our prayer that as you went through the list and answered whether it was selfish or not you answered from God’s perspective and not the perspective of the world. The bible encourages us to humble ourselves and put the needs of the other person first. When we put the needs of others first we consider them in every decision we make. We also include God in every decision we make, which will cause us to see things from His prospective and act accordingly.

Weekly Scripture:
Philippians 2:3-4:

3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We just worked out spiritually. If you have not worked out your physical temple get up and join us in the:

New Beginnings 2008 Workout Focus
10,000/steps per day or 70,000/steps per week Walking Program*

This is the fitness opportunity that New Beginnings is promoting for 2008. It is simple and easy and almost everyone can participate at whatever level of fitness they are at. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a pedometer, and you're all set.
For further discussion contact contactus@mynewtemple.org or write to us on the message board http://mynewtemple.org/aMessages.html or the Fitness Blog http://mynewtemple.org/wordpress/.