Overcoming Selfishness   

In 2 Timothy 3:2, Paul speaks about people who are “lovers of self.” So what happens when people focus excessively on themselves?
They become self-centered, self-absorbed, and self-serving. All that focus on self cuts off the opportunity to develop genuine, quality relationships with others. Without great relationships with others, they lose the opportunity to experience the joys of sharing and giving to others.
Without others to share the joys of good times, the good times aren’t so good. Without others to share the bad times, the bad times become even worse. Since they do not “walk by the Spirit,” instead they “carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). In other words, the sin of selfishness leads to more and more sin.
When we learn to overcome selfishness, we will be much healthier people: emotionally, mentally, and spiritually!
So put off the old self that was all about self with its evil practices, and put on the new self, a new you that seeks to be more like Jesus (Colossians 3:9-10). And ask God to help you change your attitude. “Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word” (Psalm 119:36-37).

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