Selfish

I don’t think of myself as a self-centered person.  Fact is, it’s easier to see others around meas selfish.  You know the thoughts: “Wow,I can’t believe they bought THAT” or “Must be nice to live THAT way” or “fullof yourself much?”  But not me, I’m notselfish… am I? 

I recently took a long hard look at my heart and did notlike everything that I saw.  It may notalways appear it from the outside, but inside my heart is drawn to, well,ME.  What the bible calls “the flesh” isalive and well, and it wants to make ME happy. I want to be happy, healthy, and blessed.  I want others to be as well, of course, butnot nearly as much as I want ME to be.  Canyou relate?

Now this phenomenon is subtle, but it’s present.  The covert nature of my selfishness makes itmuch harder to cure.  But when I amhonest with eyes wide open, I see myself for what I am—a sinful man who isdesperately in need of the grace of Jesus. The more I acknowledge this truth, the more I receive the grace I need,and the more humility pours over me like a wave. 

If you are like me, begin with baby steps (think Bill Murrayin What about Bob?).  Question everydecision to see if it comes back to YOU. Check your prayer life and see if your prayers are all about YOU.  Probe every intention, every action—test themand see if they are others focused or focused on YOU. 

You may not like what you see at first, but it’s the firststep toward true humility.