Selfishness is a trait that we all struggle with to some extent.
It’s natural to want to look out for our own interests and prioritize our own needs, but when we become excessively focused on ourselves, it can harm our relationships with others and hinder our ability to live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
As Christians, it’s especially important to address and overcome selfishness, as it goes against the teachings of Jesus to love and serve others.
One way to better understand and overcome selfishness is to examine its spiritual root.
In this post, we’ll explore the idea that selfishness is often a symptom of deeper spiritual issues, such as a lack of love or a focus on self rather than God.
By understanding the underlying causes of selfishness, we can take steps to address and overcome it in our own lives.
What does the Bible say about selfishness?
Selfishness is defined as a lack of concern for the needs and feelings of others, and an excessive focus on one’s own needs and desires.
In the Bible, there are numerous examples of selfish behavior that are depicted as negative and harmful.
One example of selfish behavior in the Bible is the story of Cain and Abel. In this story, Cain murders his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger, as he was jealous of Abel’s offering being accepted by God while his own was not.
This act of jealousy and violence is an example of selfishness, as Cain was more concerned with his own pride and desires than the well-being of his brother.
Another example of selfishness in the Bible is the story of the rich man who ignores the needs of a poor man, Lazarus, who is lying at his gate.
Despite the fact that he has the means to help Lazarus, the rich man ignores him and allows him to suffer. This story, found in the book of Luke, illustrates how selfishness can lead to a lack of compassion and concern for others.
The Bible also addresses the negative consequences of selfishness.
For example, in James 4:1-3, it says:
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?
Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.
You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
This passage highlights how selfish desires and a lack of self-control can lead to conflict and harm.
Overall, the Bible teaches that selfishness is a destructive force that can have negative consequences for ourselves and others.
The Spiritual Root of Selfishness
According to the Bible, the spiritual root of selfishness is sin, expressed often as a lack of love or a focus on self rather than God.
This is supported by Christian teachings and the Bible, which emphasizes the importance of loving others and putting their needs above our own.
For example, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to serve others selflessly, as exemplified by his own humility and obedience to God.
In the New Testament, Paul writes in Philippians 2:3-4:
“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.”
This passage suggests that selfishness is rooted in a focus on our own interests and ambitions, rather than on the needs and well-being of others.
Other passages in the Bible also speak to the negative consequences of selfishness, such as James 4:1-3, which highlights how selfish desires and a lack of self-control can lead to conflict and harm.
Capitalist societies are also built on the principle of selfishness, as demonstrated by Adam Smith’s famous quote that it is “not the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker” that procures food for us, but their own self-interest.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with self-interest or working for our own benefit, it is important to recognize that unchecked selfishness can lead to harm and negative consequences for ourselves and others.
By examining and addressing the spiritual root of selfishness, we can strive to live more selfless and loving lives, as called for by Christian teachings.
Overcoming selfishness according to the Bible
According to the Bible, one key to overcoming selfishness is to focus on loving our neighbor as ourselves.
This principle is rooted in the biblical commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, as exemplified by Jesus’ teachings and actions.
By recognizing the image of God in others and understanding that they, just like us, are recipients of God’s love and grace, we can cultivate a more loving and selfless mindset.
Being like Jesus and emptying ourselves in service to others is another important aspect of overcoming selfishness.
Christ’s humility and obedience to God serve as a model for us to follow, as he willingly put aside his own interests and desires in order to serve others.
By following his example and striving to live a life of selfless service, we can overcome selfishness and fulfill our purpose as Christians.
Additionally, the Bible teaches us the importance of being selfless and looking to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-8 instructs us
“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.”
By putting the needs and well-being of others before our own, we can overcome selfishness and live in accordance with God’s will.
Practical tips for overcoming selfishness
Cultivating a heart of gratitude:
One way to overcome selfishness is to cultivate a heart of gratitude, as this can help us to shift our focus from ourselves and our own desires to the blessings and gifts that we have received from God.
Colossians 3:15-17 teaches us to
“let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for as members of one body you are called to peace.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
By cultivating thankfulness, we can overcome selfishness and live in a more selfless and loving way.
Seeking to serve and bless others:
Another way to overcome selfishness is to seek out opportunities to serve and bless others.
Matthew 25:35-40 teaches us that
“for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
By actively seeking out ways to serve and bless others, we can overcome our selfish tendencies and fulfill our calling as Christians.
Practicing humility:
Humility is another important virtue in overcoming selfishness.
Philippians 2:3-4 teaches us
“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.”
By practicing humility and putting the needs of others before our own, we can overcome selfishness and live in accordance with God’s will.
Seek support from other believers:
Finally, it can be helpful to seek support from other believers in overcoming selfishness.
This could involve joining a Christian support group, seeking guidance from a pastor or trusted Christian mentor, or simply surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers who can encourage and support us on our journey.
By seeking out support from others, we can find the strength and guidance we need to overcome selfishness and live a selfless and loving life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have explored the idea that selfishness has a spiritual root and that it is important for Christians to address and overcome it in order to live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
We have looked at how the Bible teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, be like Jesus in serving others selflessly, and prioritize the interests of others over our own.
By cultivating a heart of gratitude, seeking out opportunities to serve and bless others, and practicing humility, we can overcome selfishness and fulfill our calling as Christians.
We encourage readers to reflect on their own selfish tendencies and take steps to overcome them according to the Bible.
If you are struggling with selfishness, there are many resources available to help you on your journey.
Bible passages such as Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 25:35-40, and Colossians 3:15-17 are great places to start.
You may also find it helpful to join a Christian support group or seek out guidance from a pastor or trusted Christian mentor.
Remember, with God’s help and guidance, you can overcome selfishness and live a selfless and loving life.
If you want to further consider the topic of Breaking the Spirit of Selfishness, I recommend that you check out the book: The Blessed Life: Unlocking the Rewards of Generous Living by James Robison, as well as reading our blog post on How to be a generous person.
Do you struggle with a Spiritual Root of Selfishness? What is the circumstance you are going through? Let us know in the comments.
A hug and blessings.
Wanting to control the life style of someone else.
Hi Martha, thank you for commenting! God bless you!