Shelfishness Keeps Us From Growing Spiritually

　

Everybody is bound to be selfish at one time or another. It’s just typical of human nature. From the time we were able to want something, our selfish nature has been hurting other people, sometimes with little gain or satisfaction to us. A selfish person ends up losing friends or loved ones because no matter how intelligent or charming or talented a selfish person may be, selfish people are hard to maintain a personal relationship with.

And the amazing thing, truly selfish people don’t even know they are being selfish. They would never consider the possibility that they are selfish. Some people think selfishness is a good thing and that if you follow the example of Christ and put the needs of others above your own, you’re a sucker and a fool. But all who would live a godly life, one in which we are becoming more each day like our unselfish Savior, need to view selfishness as something to deal with seriously.

As always, let’s start with a definition.

Definition: Webster’s Dictionary defines a selfish person as one "concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself." A secondary definition is: "seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others."

The apostle Paul describes people in the end times as "lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy" (2 Timothy 3:2). If that doesn’t describe the world today, I don’t know what does.

The word Paul uses is philautos (fil’-ow-tos). It’s made up of two smaller words: philos (fee’-los) meaning "to be friendly with" and autos (ow-tos’) meaning himself or herself. Together the word implies being friendly with oneself.

Caution:We have to distinguish between self love and selfishness. If I counseled you to "love yourself" would you have a negative reaction to that? Of course you would. Maybe the word "egotistical" came to mind. But I’m not asking you to be self-centered or selfish. I’m asking you to respect yourself, protect yourself, take care of yourself. And that’s a biblical thing to do.

Here’s what the bible says.

Leviticus 19:18 "Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself." Now, you can’t love your neighbor as yourself unless you love yourself too.
 Matthew 19:19 "Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself."

Mark 12:31 "The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these."

Luke 10:27 "The man answered, ‘"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind." And, "Love your neighbor as yourself."’"

Romans 13:9 "For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting—and any other commandment—are all summed up in this one commandment: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Galatians 5:14 "For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

James 2:8 "Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s royal command found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Well, you get the picture. It’s not that we are not to love ourselves; we are to love ourselves by taking care of our body and mind, making sure our heart is right with God, feeding and exercising both body and mind. "For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it" (Ephesians 5:29). We are just not to love ourselves to the exclusion of others or show love to our wants and our desires to the detriment of the wants and desires of others. We are to put their needs above our own needs.

Isn’t that exactly what Paul said Jesus did in Philippians 2?

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:1-8).

That, my friend, is the most self-less act in the history of the world. It is the quintessential example of putting the needs and desires of others ahead of our own needs and desires.

But I know what you’re saying: "I’m not God; I have difficulty doing that." Well, you’re right. We all do.
Developing Selflessness

 
So what are some things we all can do that help curb that natural tendency toward selfishness and develop the character of selflessness just like Jesus? From what I glean from the Bible, let me suggest a few very practical things.
1. Check your own heart.
If you detect more than a little selfishness there, confess it to God for what it is—sin. "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

2. Look for ways to help other people. Anticipate their needs and feelings so you can meet them at the point they have them. You can always tell helpful people because

you don’t have to tell helpful people you need help. Look around you. At the needs of your family. Do you have parents who need to feel loved and appreciated in their aging years. Call them. Tell them you love them. Anticipate their feelings and don’t be selfish. Bring them some joy.

3. Listen to people when they talk. It sounds so simple, but we are so bad at just lending a sympathetic ear or paying attention when people talk to us. We are selfish that way. If you consciously listen to what people have to say, you might both learn something and put yourself in a position to be used by the Lord to help them.

4. Don’t interrupt people when they talk. Let them finish their sentence. Don’t trump their story by interjecting your story. After all, their story may actually be more interesting to everyone than yours. You don’t always need to be talking. Did you know that you never learn anything while talking, except perhaps the accurate perception that no one is listening. Don’t interrupt. That’s selfish.

5. Compliment people. Do you know how thirsty some people are for the tiniest compliment? Perhaps it’s been weeks or months since they’ve had one. Be sincere, but show the love of Christ in the way you notice things about other people and compliment them.

6. Show kindness to all people.

Even the least of these, Jesus says. Being kind doesn’t cost you anything. It doesn’t diminish you in any way. It doesn’t take cash to be kind, but it takes a lot of character. Paul said to the Romans, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10). To the Ephesians he said, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:30-32).

7. Be on time. One of the most frequent acts of selfishness is being late. It presumes on the time of others and shows a lack of discipline on your part. It frustrates your friends, it disrupts the church service, and at work this act of selfishness could get you fired. It’s just as easy to be on time consistently as it is to be 10 minutes late consistently.



Some Biblical Conclusions about Selfishness
First

, the antidote to selfishness is love. Genuine Christ-like love breaks the cycle of selfishness. Paul says, "Love seeks not her own" (1 Corinthians 13:5). Selfishness can only be broken when we stop loving ourselves more than our neighbor. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves and put their needs ahead of ours.

Second
, selfishness dies the moment we willfully choose to obey God and not our own desires. Isaiah bears God’s warning about selfishness in the first chapter of his prophecy, verses 19 and 20. "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Third
, the self-interest that we all have that’s a good thing (caring for our body and mind), becomes selfishness only when we refuse to conform to what we know God’s Word says about selfishness. Once we discover we are being selfish, we are obligated to change our habits or the sin of selfishness is compounded by the sin of disobedience. "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17).

Finally
, forsaking selfishness and replacing that attitude with holiness and godly living is too big a job for all of us. We need superior help. Fortunately we have superior help
in God. Psalm 56:11 says, "In God I have put my trust" and 1 John 4:4 reminds us, "he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

Selfishness is a widespread problem, but it doesn’t have to be your problem. The minute you detect a selfish attitude or action, do the right thing.  Confess it to God as sin. Repent from the harm your selfishness may have done to others. Ask God to forgive you. Go to those you have hurt with your selfishness and apologize seeking their forgiveness too. Ask the Holy Spirit to help take selfishness away from you. You can win this battle. Just be sensitive to how you are treating others or ask you friends to clobber you on the head when you are being selfish so you don’t have to be guessing. Let the blood of Jesus wash the stain of selfishness from your life.




TAKEN IN IT'S ENTIRETY FROM A MESSAGE BY DR. KROLL FROM www.BackToTheBible.org
For the remainder of the messages in this study go here:  http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Extras-What-Keeps-Me-from-Growing.html
 
 

The Grandma Farmer 2012 Top Post of the Year

We thought we'd check and see just what the most popular post of 2012 was!  We were not surprised because this recipe is EXCELLANT!

If you missed this post click on the link below and make these great muffins!

 

Gluten Free Cinnamon Bun Muffins


The Favorite post for December 2012 was:

Creating Goals for 2013 - Making My 20 Wishes List

This Week with Grandma Farmer

One of my TWENTY WISHES for 2013 (see: Creating Goals for 2013) is to read through the Bible Chronoligically in 2013 and to read two books a month.

This weeks Bible Reading:

January 1:  Psalms 1, Proverbs 1, Genesis 1:1-3:24
January 2:  Psalms 2, Proverbs 1, Genesis 4:1-6:22, 1 Chronicles 1:1-4
January 3:  Psalms 3: Provers 3, Genesis 7:10-10:5, 1 Chronicles 1:5-7, Genesis 10:6-20, 1 Chronicles 1:8-16, Genesis 10:21-30, 1 Chronicles 1:17-23, Genesis 10:31-32
January 4:  Psalme 4, Proverbs 4, Genesis 11:1-26, 1 Chronicles 1:24-27, Genesis 11:27-31, Genesis 12:1-14 and Genesis 12:24
January 5:  Psalms 5, Proverbs 5, Genesis 15:1-17, Genesis 15:27

This week I've started the book:

WEEKLY CHECK-UP

Our pages above contain information about us. One of the pages is the DAILY GRACE page which contains the following WEEKLY CHECK-UP which is a great way to check-up on how you are doing in your walk with CHRIST.

Listen to this great tune while reading this!

WEEKLY CHECK-UP

I hope you will find this Check-up something that benefits you and that you use often.

 

Answer the following with "mostly true", 'somewhat true' or 'not true'.

 

My Walk With Christ:

• I have had regular times alone this week with God in prayer and in His Word.

• I have taken the time to meditate on what I have read and have fully obeyed what He has commanded.
• I talk to God and am conscious of His presence throughout each day.
• I prepare my heart for worship before I walk in the door at my Church on Sunday morning.
• I anticipate being with God and the body of Christ as we worship together each Sunday.
• I am involved with some Kind of Bible Study with other believers that stimulates my walk with Christ.
• I have confessed all known sin in my life to Christ and have turned from it.
• My life is regularly characterized by the fruit of the Spirit.

My Fellowship With the Body of Christ:

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Casserole

• 4 ounces Gluten Free mini penne pasta or similar shape (we prefer quiona pastas)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour blend
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4-6 green onions, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• pinch freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning blend
• 1 cup cooked asparagus, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups diced cooked Chicken

Preparation:

Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish. Heat oven to 350°.

Cook pasta in boiling water following package directions.

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter; add bell pepper and sauté until tender. Add garlic and green onion; sauté for 1 minute longer. Stir in flour until well blended. Stir in chicken broth, cooking until thickened. Stir in milk; continue cooking, stirring frequently, until thickened and hot. Add seasonings, asparagus, and chicken; heat through. Stir in the cooked drained pasta and pour into the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Serves 3 to 4.

Creating Goals for 2013 - Making My 20 Wishes List

According to squidoo dot com, the Top Ten New Year Resolutions are:

1. Stop Smoking
2. Get into a Habit of being Fit
3. Lose Weight
4. Enjoy Life More
5. Quit Drinking
6. Get Organized
7. Learn Something New
8. Get out of Debt
9. Spend More Time With Family
10. Help People

Sound familiar?

 

For the rest of this story CLICK HERE

WHEN WAS JESUS BORN?

 

 

It seems that this question is given to us every year about this time (celebrations of Hanukkah and Christmas). With all the secularism and commercialism of our day and the continual ignoring of the Biblical nativity story, believers are trying to cope with all these attacks upon the birth of our Lord Yeshua and are often confused. While this article may be a bit different from what you have heard previously, it is our hope and prayer that it will receive some careful consideration by Bible students everywhere.

In my university days, Ancient History was of great interest to me and became one of my major fields of study. I was especially interested in Rome because so much of our Bibles is related to that period of time. Here are a few facts that may help you in trying to answer the question "When was Yeshua (Jesus) born?" We will begin with Luke 2:1-14 where in verse 1 we learn that Caesar Augustus made a "decree...that all the world should be taxed."

1. CAESAR AUGUSTUS ruled from 43 BC to 14 AD. His real name was Octavian and he was the grandnephew of Julius Caesar. It was under his reign that the Pax Romana (the Roman peace) was declared throughout the empire beginning in 30 BC.
2. CYRENIUS (Quirinius) is called the "governor of Syria" in Luke 2:2 and we are told that "this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria." The Greek text actually says that Quirinius "was governing" in Syria. Flavius Josephus refers to a census in 6 AD when Quirinius was the actual Governor. But, at this point (Luke 2:2) Quirinius was merely handling administrative duties in behalf of Varus, the actual Governor. Egyptian records state that a census was done by Rome every 14 years and that it took several years to accomplish it.
3. HEROD THE GREAT was alive at the time of the Messiah's birth according to Matthew 2:1. One of the problems which scholars have had in dealing with the time of our Lord's birth is a reference in Josephus where he records an eclipse on March 13, 4 BC and says that it was "shortly before Herod died." Time between the birth of the Messiah and Herod's death is necessary since Joseph and Mary with the baby fled to Egypt and did not return until after Herod's death according to Matthew 2:18-21. The actual date of Herod's death (Roman history) was January 14, 1 BC.
4. TERTULLIAN, church leader and historian, said that the birth of Jesus was 41 years after Augustus began his rule, and that Augustus died 15 years after the birth of Jesus. The actual date of the death of Augustus Caesar was August 19, 14 AD. It is interesting to note that Tertullian also said that Jesus was born 28 years after the death of Cleopatra who died in 30 BC.
5. IRENAEUS, a disciple of Polycarp who was a disciple of the Apostle John, says that Jesus was born in the 41st year of the reign of Caesar Augustus. Eusebius, a great church historian, also says about the same thing. The 42nd year of Augustus ran from the autumn of 2 BC to the autumn of 1 BC.
6. ZACHARIAS, the father of John the Baptist, was a priest "of the course of Abia (Abijah)" according to Luke 1:5. There are 24 courses (divisions) of priests according to I Chronicles 24. Abijah's course (division) was the 8th course among the 24 courses. When the Jewish Temple was destroyed by the Roman Governor Titus on August 5, 70 AD, the first course of priests had just taken office. By tracing back carefully, the 8th course would have ended their duties on July 13, 3 BC. The birth of John the Baptist would be 280 days later - around April 19-20, 2 BC (which, interestingly, was Passover that year!). The birth of Yeshua (Jesus) would have been six months later (Luke 1:36) which would place it in the fall of 2 BC. The very interesting fact in all this is that the actual date in the fall of 2 BC would have been Tishri 1 on the Jewish calendar - which is Rosh Hashanah - the Feast of Trumpets!

Our conclusion (if we have gotten all the facts straight!) is that the Messiah, our blessed Lord Yeshua was "probably" born on September 29 in 2 BC.

Personally, I am happy to celebrate the birth of the Messiah on any date of the year you wish it to be! The good news is that in the city of Bethlehem, ISRAEL, the city of King David, the Savior was born, and He is "Christ the Lord" - Messiah - KING of kings and LORD of lords!

 

David Hocking
HFT Connect