Do not be a lover of the SELF

I saw this meme today on Pinterest, and it really got to me how the world has been lied to with selfishness like this.

Putting yourself first is denying God’s Word.

Here are some scripture references that speak to the contrary…

  • Philipians 2:3

    • Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves
  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    • But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:24

    • Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
  • Ephesians 4:2

    • With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
  • Romans 15:1

    • We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
  • Romans 2:8

    • But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
  • Ephesians 5:21

    • Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
  • Philipians 2:4

    • Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We have been commanded by Christ, and by the Word of God in general, to put others ahead of ourselves. If we all did this, we would never have want of anything! Everyone would be looking out for someone else, and in effect, everyone would always have all they need because of the graciousness of others.
The world however does not work this way, and our of necessity, we have adopted this idea that we need to “love ourselves first”, and “put ourselves before others”. When the world lives for others, they get burnt out, neglected, and end up in despair and depression.
This doesn’t happen when children of God put others first. When Christians put others first, as the bible says, we are renewed by the power of God, the Holy Spirit, and the Word. We are refreshed and rejuvenated. When we obey the Word of God, He helps us.
So, although there are very kind people out there who do a lot for others, when they don’t acknowledge the Lord, they find themselves lacking and neglected. In response to this, they adopt the philosophy of “putting yourself first and loving yourself above all else”.
The more the world adheres to this way of thinking, the more desperate and destitute the world will become.

For the greatest commandment is LOVE.