Tag Archive: Humility

10 Ways to Beat Selfishness

Selfishness can be an uncomfortable topic. We want to think we are better than the pettiness of selfish actions and attitudes.

Yesterday I realized things I was upset about really came down to…being too caught up in my own interests. Busted!

Simple ways to put others first.

Nothing?

Do nothing from selfish motives or self-conceit. Nothing? Oh, this is hard! Self-focus is the natural default setting of our sin nature. If we could see a print out of our motivations over the last week, we’d be shocked at how pervasive selfishness is in our thinking.

There is a striking contrast in the progression of verses in this passage.

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Stay low…

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. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

I’ve been thinking a lot about being new, about the biblical notion of having a transformed mind. My life is different lately; hectic even, and though our circumstances are changed; I am moreso.

In only 6 short weeks, my career and my professional learning curve went from long-stalled to back in full motion. My new job is a smaller role than I’ve had previously, but coming back from nothing professionally for seven years, I am truly grateful to have been provided the opportunity to work in my field, learn, and contribute again.

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Am I Willing to Learn From Jesus?

Jesus tells us to serve one another through love.

 Jesus… got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.–John 13:4-5

Am I willing?

Acts of service require that we get up from the table. Service begins with a willingness to stop and serve others.

Laying aside his garments…Jesus prepared to do the menial work of a servant, washing the feet of his disciples. As I read these words, the Holy Spirit quietly asks, “Are you willing to get up and lay aside in order to serve?”

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