Monday: Selfishness
As in the case of the aspen and its larger underground system, selfishness is part of the huge underground system called “sin,” which keeps us from finding true rest in Jesus. Of all the expressions of sin in our lives, selfishness seems to be the easiest to manifest, doesn’t it? For most of us, selfishness is as natural as breathing.
Read Luke 12:13-21. Describe the problem highlighted in Jesus’ parable. Is planning for the future, selfish and expressing disregard for God’s kingdom? If not, or at least not necessarily, then what is Jesus warning us against?
Image © Rolf Jansson at Goodsalt.com
This parable appears only in the Gospel of Luke and is told in response to an anonymous question from the audience. Asked about a question regarding an inheritance, Jesus responds by rejecting the role of the arbiter between brothers. Instead, He opts to put His finger on the bigger underlying problem, namely, selfishness. He digs deeper to show the root mass underneath our individual actions.
Think about expressions of selfishness in your life. How does selfishness affect our relationship with God, with our spouses and families, with our church family, with our neighbors and colleagues at work? What key is found in Philippians 2:5-8?
By focusing solely on his own needs and ambitions, the anonymous rich man of Jesus’ parable forgot to take into consideration unseen heavenly realities. Bigger, better, and more are not the foundational principles of God’s kingdom. Paul offers us a glimpse into what motivated Jesus as He decided to become our Substitute.
Philippians 2:5-8 describes the blueprint of unselfishness, humility, and love. If love for God and others does not drive our choices and priorities, we will continue to build more barns for ourselves here and put less treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20).
| Why is it so easy to get caught up in the desire for wealth and material possessions? Though we all need a certain amount of money to survive, why does it seem to be that no matter how much we have, we always want more? |
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I think that most of us accept that selfishness is the motivator for a whole host of sins. It is what started Lucifer on the slippery slope of evil; it underpinned Eve's desire to eat the forbidden fruit, it motivated David's lust for Bathsheeba, and it still motivates us today to lust, steal, murder, hate, undermine and climb social ladders.
As I said yesterday, we become good and disguising our selfishness with a cloak of spirituality. I remember a nominating committee where a powerful personality, realising he was not going to get the person he wanted into a church office, suddenly made the statement, "Bretheren and sisters, I don't think that we have really prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide us to make the right decision here. We need to pray about it more!" He then proceeded to lead a season of prayer where he prayed a long prayer that was the prelude to him suggesting that so-and-so would make a good church officer. It was unbridled spiritual blackmail. He was not going to be satisfied until he got his own way.
Navigating church politics, powerful personalities and spiritual bunions is a tricky business and I have been on enough nominating committees to see selfishness, and covetousness show itself in unpleasantness, if not downright hostility.
Paul gave us the right advice when he said:
Humility is pretty tough!
Thank you, Maurice, for putting into words what many of us have probably observed. Yes, "spiritual blackmail" is particularly evident in supposed prayers to the Almighty to do the will of the person praying - especially on nominating committees. (I don't believe God is fooled by such self-serving "prayers.")
While we may see such behaviors in others, it is wise to remember that the signature fault of the Laodicean church (our fault!) is the inability to judge ourselves rightly. We need to learn to pray daily, "Not my will, but yours be done," as Jesus did.
Does cloaking our desire as God's will violate the 3rd commandment?
Thank you for pointing out that "selfishness is the motivator for a whole host of sins." It is not so much an "expression of sin," as the lesson author suggests, but it lies at the root of all sins. It is by focusing on self that Lucifer, the Light Bearer, closest to the throne of God, became degraded into Satan, the devil, a liar and the adversary of God.
By contrast, Christ demonstrated the character of God by living a life of self-forgetfulness in service to humanity.
On the last question asks, how much we have, we always want more? This does not apply of selfishness matter. God give us six days to work everything but on the seventh-day... a Sabbath rest for the Lord. In our small church here, a speaker during worship second service emphasized, nothing is wrong to aim to be rich, as we God's children given an opportunity to know what is right/wrong. Of course, we cling to God's side. To aim to gain more, the more we shares to the needy. We are just a channel of blessings of God to our neighbors. What we got from our labor, is not worthy if we don't acknowledge God. The wrong concepts of selfishness is what you have, but you want more just to satisfy yourself. Even tithes/offerings to God you neglected it.
To earn more, to gain much should be God childrens aim. God does not want his children to be tail, but head. I was once a federation president, covering five districts almost two provinces, and am happy to say theres no adventist beggar. God really loves, those who are faithful to Him. If we have less, it is a blessing, if we have much it is a blessing too, that we don't have to keep for ourselves but shares to the needy. Keep aim to be rich,not only in this world, but to be rich in heavenly kingdom more.
Eduardo, I appreciate your comment, but I'm not sure that it is correct that "To earn more, to gain much should be God children's aim."
You see, if we live according to God's rules, it is more likely that we will succeed in our work than if we don't. (For example, we will have a clear mind, healthy body, practice good stewardship, etc.) God can bless us more if we live in harmony with His will. But if we aim "to earn more, to gain much" we probably have our priorities wrong, because Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things [material necessities] shall be yours as well." So I believe we should aim to advance the Kingdom of God in all that we do and order our lives in harmony with His will. He will bless us according to our need and our capacity to use His blessings to His glory.
Anderson, we aim not for ourselves, but for the needy. We are just a channel of blessings from above. You're exactly correct, seek first the kingdom of God, and all shall be added. God says, the poor will always exists (Deuteronomy 15:10) and Jesus reminds us don't be tired in helping people. Poor might be in terms of money, health, emotions, social, spiritual, justice and others that a child of God can extend help.
Isa 58:7, Matt 25:35-36, Luke 3:11
How much is enough?
In the days of big close families the income of the family business was shared and used to provide food, clothing and shelter for all. In close communities those who had a lot shared with those who had little, no one was hungry or cold, hospitality was a sacred duty.
Sadly this is no longer the case. Each one is expected to earn enough for their own needs and to save enough for their retirement.
How much of what we earn should we reserve for own use and how much should we share with those in need?
What was the recommendation in the economy of Israel as outlined through Moses?
What did John the Baptist say? If you have two coats - give one away!
How will the LORD separate between the sheep and the goats?
The Lesson makes this comment regarding Phil 2:5-8:
By focusing solely on his own needs and ambitions, the anonymous rich man of Jesus’ parable forgot to take into consideration unseen heavenly realities. Bigger, better, and more are not the foundational principles of God’s kingdom. Paul offers us a glimpse into what motivated Jesus as He decided to become our Substitute.
Philippians 2:5-8 describes the blueprint of unselfishness, humility, and love. If love for God and others does not drive our choices and priorities, we will continue to build more barns for ourselves here and put less treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20).
What it does NOT do is describe what this blueprint is by leaving out verses 3-4!
“3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Than in verse 5 it says "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
In essence what we see here is that the Second Person of the Godhead esteems US better than Himself!! Is MORE concerned about OUR needs than His own!! Do we really understand the magnitude of such love? That the God of the universe is more concerned about us, His enemies, than Himself that He would offer up His very soul to save us!!??
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. It seems to me the issue isn't how much money I have, what position I desire etc. It's more of what is my relationship to the money or position. Do I covet the position as Ashton mentioned. What am I doing with the money as Shirley mentioned. If i'm hoarding the money for personal use and gain, now I have a problem. If I'm simply a conduit through which God blesses others then simply stated I'm good. It boils down to the condition of the heart.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat....but are busybodies. 2 Thess 3:10-11.
Psm 62:10. Prov 13:11.
Selfishness
'Read Luke 12:13-21. Describe the problem highlighted in Jesus’ parable. Is planning for the future, selfish and expressing disregard for God’s kingdom? If not, or at least not necessarily, then what is Jesus warning us against?'
What does the bible/Jesus says about selfishness? What is the author asking? Is building up large barns/store rooms a bad thing?
Joseph build up large store rooms- Genesis 41:46-57.
The Israelites build store rooms to place the money brought into the temple-
People are advised to store up- Prov 21:20.
Look at the ant story in the bible- what have we learnt from it, or not learn at all. This is one of the perfect one to answer our question. Prov 6:6-8;30:25.
It is not a sin to be rich, our forefather were rich, e.g Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job, Solomon and many of the kings and many many more in the bible were rich. The question is- how did we became rich? how do we use what was given to us?
Remember money/riches is a great tool in the hands of the wise.
The problem in this man's life was not his planning ahead, his problem was in forgetting those in need around him, and thinking only of his own welfare and ease. God blesses individuals that they might in turn be a blessing to others. This allows the principle of God's law to be demonstrated in a way that highlights its true value for all.
We simply cannot avoid society in our life, and for this to work properly we have a part in advancing the welfare of our society, and failing of this, we will end up hurting this society in ways that will eventually return upon us. At the same time, we are to “take heed” lest any part of our society affects us in ways that would lead us to deny the Lord and fight against truth.
I would say that the desire for wealth and possessions stems from the unbelief which results when self is the true object of "worship". If we worship the Lord(in the beauty of holiness), we will delight to do His will, and will be content with all that He might bless us with.
We do pass judgement on others based on what they possess materially - it is a natural thing for humans! Unless we have the consciousness that our own possessions belong totally to God, which is also very true, independently on what we feel or think. Let us get close to God, Who is able to change our minds through our hearts! Understanding His love for us, we shall not doubt, and rest in His plans!
The more we have the more we can give to God and others and as long as our motives are pure (1 Corinthians 13), it will be regarded by God like he noticed Cornelius and his generosity in the book of Acts.
Hmmmmmmmmm we can be selfish and not knowing it for example some people have soooo many clothes and shoes and bags and hats and coats and stuff to wear every Sabbath and refuse to share with some needy members who have nothing nice to wear on sabbath think about it
Luke 12:14-21KJV – v.14: ”And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? … Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. v.21: "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Jesus warns of the deception of seeking 'security' for one's life through building up ‘earthly treasures’, instead of resting in the assurance that, by faithfully living in the Kingdom of God, we lay up ‘spiritual’ treasures which will last forever.
To describe the problem:
The landowner thought that, by building bigger barns, he would provide for his physical security; which it does. But this is the ‘earthly’ side of the coin, so to speak. Jesus points out that there is another side to life, the spiritual side.
Jesus admonishes that it is essential to keep the spiritual aspect in the forefront of one’s mind when living in the kingdom of God.
I see the physical side, the need for food and drink and clothing, being calibrated – balanced out - by the Holy Spirit. The heavenly Father sees our physical needs and prompts our heart and mind to find the right balance to secure them.
Luke 12:22-34KJV - Because life’s security rests in the Love and righteousness of God, one is freed to share His blessings instead of 'building bigger barns – Luke12:30-34KJV.
The lesson's title is: ‘Selfishness’, though the referred to text uses the word ‘covetousness’. To help me understand the meaning of these two words I had to look them up:
“Selfishness is the quality of being selfish, the condition of putting one’s own interests before those of others, while covetousness is immoderate desire for the possession of something, especially for wealth.” (wikidiff.com)
Phil.2:5-8KJV – Christ Jesus, the Son of God and Man, showes me by example that our heavenly Father will never leave us or forsake us; His promises and our continous faith create an unbreakable, spiritual bond. Christ Jesus rests in His Father’s righteousness and so do we in Him.
I see selfishness or covetousness in one’s life as a sign that the keeper of one’s life is still ‘Self’. The prayer therefore is: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” - Mark9:24KJV.