The Toll Of Selfishness

Selfishness is ruining our culture. God's Word offers a solution...

Motherhood is inward decline inward America, alongside ane inward 5 couples choosing to hold upward childless. 

Authorities predict this tendency volition acquaint enormous problems every bit the retired population increasingly outnumbers the piece of occupation force. 

Studies too demo that most adults acknowledge they wouldn't induce got inward their aging parents if they needed their help.

Not everyone who chooses to hold upward childless is selfish, nor is everyone who refuses to induce got inward a parent.(1)

But selfishness is such a potent run of American civilisation that I'm non certain we're able to recognize it anymore. 

It's causing enormous problems for our social club every bit a whole together with for each of us every bit individuals. 

But Christ calls us to something beyond ourselves:

"Do aught out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, inward humility value others higher upward yourselves, non looking to your ain interests but each of you lot to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4 

And Christ helps us achieve anything He asks of us.
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(1) We are talking near the norm, non the exceptions. Certainly at that topographic point are reasons that a duo cannot or volition non induce got children only every bit at that topographic point are reasons that a kid cannot or volition non induce got inward a parent, but inward full general these are the correct things to do.

Why non add together around to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule yesteryear having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your e-mail each weekday. Sign upward for a costless subscription to Bible Love Notes together with move a costless e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

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Trojan Equus Caballus Lie--Loving Self First

I rarely require heed "love your vecino equally yourself" (Mark 12:31-32) without someone speedily adding, "but yous can't dear others until yous showtime dear yourself." 

Even though this regulation isn't institute inward this or whatsoever passage of Scripture,* it's fully embraced yesteryear many Christians. 

Mark 12:31 doesn't ascendency us to dear our neighbor's personality or convey warm feelings toward him. It commands us to process him amongst the same kindness in addition to consideration nosotros instinctively demo ourselves. 

Christianity is nigh putting God in addition to others first, non putting ourselves first. And focusing on others is actually one of the most effective ways to overcome our ain insecurities. (See Beatin' the Blues) 

Philippians 2:3-4 sums it upward this way: "In humility value others higher upward yourselves, non looking to your ain interests merely each of yous to the interests of the others." 

"Loving ourselves first" appeals to our fallen human nature merely it has no foundation inward Scripture. 
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* Twisting Scripture is a mutual ploy of Satan. (See insights on His temptation.)

This is the showtime prevarication inward the Trojan Horse Enemy series. You tin read the intro to this serial HERE. If yous desire to report to a greater extent than Scripture related to self-love , cheque out my Self-Esteem Posts. You tin create a v infinitesimal Bite Size Bible Study on this devotion HERE.

Upside-Down Perspective

We demand to intend of others first...

We've cash inward one's chips friends amongst the hotel managing director inward a Croation hamlet where we've stayed several times, then she asked us to bring together her for java when nosotros stayed at that spot final month.

During our conversation, she said ane nationality of guests ever complains that the hotel doesn't accept plenty TV inward their language.

"They never intend that when I catch their country, at that spot is no television receiver programming inward Croatian. So why create they hold back to a greater extent than than 3 channels inward their linguistic communication here?"

By nature, nosotros human beings are self-centered, as well as left unchecked, our perspective gets turned upside-down similar these hotel guests. Sometimes nosotros intend we're victims when were genuinely antagonists.

That's why God says, "Do non simply facial expression out for your ain personal interests, but too for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

Today, let's inquire God to assist us flip our perspective then nosotros tin transportation away encounter things from His perspective as well as non our ain (Philippians 2:12-13).
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Why non add together to a greater extent than or less to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule past times having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your electronic mail each weekday. Sign upwards for a gratuitous subscription to Bible Love Notes as well as larn a gratuitous e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

Paper Or Plastic - Pocket-Size Decisions Bring Big Results

My Scottish friend misunderstood the American grocery clerk when she asked "Paper or plastic?" He idea she meant "cash or credit?" 

Europe's a "greener" continent than America where shoppers convey bags or pay for them. No wonder he misunderstood. 

That got me thinking: "paper or plastic" seems similar an insignificant, personal choice, precisely it has long-range effects on the environs nosotros all share.*

Actually, almost choices, fifty-fifty seemingly insignificant ones, conduct consequences. Few are strictly personal. 

We tell it's no one's trouble concern what nosotros select to create inwards our personal lives, sexually, environmentally, socially, or financially. But life doesn't piece of occupation that way, as well as moral choices acquit upon our environs inwards the same means ecological choices do.

That's why, inwards all areas, nosotros Christians should atomic number 82 the means inwards making Philippians 2:4 choices: "Each of yous should await non solely to your ain interests, precisely also to the interests of others." 
* I'm non maxim nosotros should never piece of occupation plastic bags. I oft do. But I'm trying to recall through fifty-fifty this elementary choice.

The Crux Of Sin: Self

When Jesus tells us to possess got upwards our cross inward Luke 9:23-24, he at i time adds "For whoever wants to salvage their life volition lose it, merely whoever loses their life for me volition salvage it."

Our fallen human nature loves concepts like:

• self-esteem
• self-help
• self-interest
• self-contentment
• self-indulgence
• self-assurance

The Bible says the opposite:

• self-denial
• self-sacrifice
• selflessness
• Because He's worth it
• Have it His Way

We rarely realize how strongly we're influenced yesteryear the basis together with our ain fallen nature. I confess I oftentimes prefer self-esteem over God esteem together with self-interest over self-denial.

But together with thence I think the One who non solely carried the cross merely died on it for me.

But today I'm bespeak God to assistance me hold upwards a truthful disciple--a cross-carrier. Will y'all bring together me? 

Do y'all know the touching nosotros could possess got on our basis if nosotros took upwards our crosses together with followed?
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I encourage y'all to read this 1-minute devotion:
Low Self-Esteem together with Inflated Self-Esteem Have the Same Cure

Cain Provides An Example To Avoid

Cain is an infamous instance of the self-centered life:

• He was outwardly religious but had no organized faith (Hebrews 11:4)  as well as got angry when God didn't bless his insincere gestures (Genesis 4:5-7).
• He ignored God's loving warnings (Genesis 4:8). 
• He mocked God's warnings (Genesis 4:8-9). 
• He had self-pity non remorse (Genesis 4:13-14). 

Scripture says Cain was exclusively interested inwards personal earnings (Jude 1:11), as well as he was jealous of anyone who real loved God plenty to alive righteously (1 John 3:12).

To avoid Cain's errors:

1. We must empathise that organized faith is non only outward religious acts. We shouldn't create things only to "look good" (Matthew 6:1; Matthew 15:1-9). 

2. We must carefully head to as well as obey the warnings God gives inwards His Word (James 1:22).

3. We must believe God when He says nosotros volition reap what nosotros sow (Galatians 6:7).

4. We must repent real (James 4:7-10).

Christians don't accept the spirit of Cain because he belonged to Satan (1 John 3:12), but nosotros tin forcefulness out present approximately "Cainish" behaviour if nosotros aren't daily examining ourselves.

To await a chip to a greater extent than at Cain's life, banking concern check out the Bite Size Bible Study HERE.

Why non add together approximately to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule yesteryear having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your e-mail each weekday. Sign upward for a gratuitous subscription to Bible Love Notes as well as larn a gratuitous e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Selfish Or Selfless

What damages relationships, disrupts God's purposes inwards our lives, leads us into temptation, in addition to destroys us?

What's the motive behind all other sins?

Selfishness.

Instead of focusing on how nosotros tin flame serve others, our vogue is to focus on how others tin flame serve us. We rarely inquire how nosotros tin flame hold out a better friend, amend parent, better adult child, or amend employee.

Our civilisation encourages this selfishness because selfishness sells products. It besides fills counseling offices, ends marriages, divides friends, in addition to ruins all things good.

Jesus calls us to something higher:
"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come upwards later on me, permit him deny himself in addition to accept upwards his cross in addition to follow me. For whoever would relieve his life volition lose it, exactly whoever loses his life for my sake volition honor it.'" Matthew 16:24-25

When was the final fourth dimension you lot sat downwards in addition to evaluated your relationships for selfishness?

Dear Christians, let's produce it today.
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For a fun means to hold out unselfish, banking venture represent out Think Inside the Box.


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Why non add together unopen to to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule yesteryear having a 1-minute devotion similar this 1 delivered to your electronic mail each weekday. Sign upwards for a costless subscription to Bible Love Notes in addition to instruct a costless e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

8 Narcissist Problems

Our civilization is devolving, taking on to a greater extent than in addition to to a greater extent than narcissistic* characteristics.

This is partly due to dis-proven self-esteem philosophies, in addition to partly due to man's style to resist God's ways.

Below are 8 narcissistic characteristics and
✤ 8 Christian characteristics alongside Scripture.

It's expert to periodically examine ourselves in addition to allow God's Word right us (James 1:22-25;  2 Timothy 3:16-17).

1. The narcissist refuses criticism.
✤ The Christian listens in addition to heeds constructive criticism - Proverbs 15:31.
See: Accepting Correction Collection 

2. The narcissist uses people.
✤ The Christian considers others ameliorate than himself - Philippians 2:1-4.
See: Others First 

3. The narcissist exaggerates her importance, achievements in addition to talents.
✤ The Christian has a realistic persuasion of herself (Romans 12:3).
See: Bragging is Not Biblical

4. The narcissist expects exceptional consideration.
✤ The Christian focuses on treating others considerately (Romans 12:10).
See: 18 Characteristics of Biblical Love

5. The narcissist requires constant attention.
✤ The Christian draws attending to God, non self (Psalm 103). 
See: Self Esteem or God Esteem 

6. The narcissist is frequently jealous.
✤ The Christian rejoices when others succeed (Romans 12:15).
See: God Hates Epicaricacy 

7. The narcissist disregards people's feelings in addition to lacks empathy.
✤ The Christian treats others every bit he wants to last treated (Matthew 7:12).  
See: Empathy

8. The narcissist is obsessively selfish.
✤ The Christian denies himself (Matthew 16:24).
See: Will You Give upward your Seat? 



source: Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Why is Narcissism Increasing
 
For to a greater extent than on this devotion, banking concern jibe out today's Bite Size Bible Study.
 
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Why non add together approximately to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule yesteryear having a 1-minute devotion similar this 1 delivered to your electronic mail each weekday. Sign upward for a gratis subscription to Bible Love Notes in addition to leave of absence a gratis e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

Narcigesis - Misusing Scripture

In Greek mythology, Narcissus drowns because he's fixated on the beauty of his ain reflection inwards a puddle of water. 

That's why nosotros telephone phone arrogant, selfish people narcissists.

I of late discovered a similar word: narcigesis. 

To sympathize narcigesis, nosotros must origin sympathize exegesis.

Exegesis is the preferred method of Bible teaching. It way explaining Scripture afterward careful report of the words, the context, in addition to the Bible equally a whole. 

Narcigesis is quite dissimilar in addition to quite popular.

It explains a passage of Scripture amongst the focus on man, non God. Blending Scripture amongst cultural errors, narcigesis promises health, wealth in addition to carefree living. Passages on personal responsibleness in addition to personal sin are ignored  or "reinterpreted."

Narcigesis is 1 argue Colossians 2:8 says, "Don't permit anyone capture y'all amongst empty philosophies in addition to high-sounding nonsense that come upward from human thinking in addition to from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ." 

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Why non add together about to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule yesteryear having a 1-minute devotion similar this 1 delivered to your electronic mail each weekday. Sign upward for a costless subscription to Bible Love Notes in addition to overstep away a costless e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

Christians Inwards The Historic Menses Of Selfies

It's the historic menstruation of selfies.

And I'm non talking close pictures.

I'm talking close self-esteem, self-fulfillment, self-adulation, self-contentment, self-confidence.

The Bible began amongst Eve seeking to fulfill herself apart from God, falsely believing she could teach similar God.

Selfies started the mess...our fallen earth, our fallen human nature, disease, decay, evil, suffering, confusion, death. 

And throughout history selfies choke along to ruin our world.

Self e'er has as well as e'er volition stand upwards inwards the agency of knowing God. Jesus said it this way:

“If whatsoever of y'all wants to live on my follower, y'all must plow from your selfish ways, get got upwards your cross daily, as well as follow me. If y'all displace to hang on to your life, y'all volition lose it. But if y'all surrender your life for my sake, y'all volition salve it. And what produce y'all produce goodness if y'all hit the whole public only are yourself lost or destroyed?" Luke 9:23-25, NLT

God lonely should live on the focus of our esteem, fulfillment, adulation, contentment as well as confidence.
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Why non add together unopen to to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule yesteryear having a 1-minute devotion similar this 1 delivered to your electronic mail each weekday. Sign upwards for a gratuitous subscription to Bible Love Notes as well as teach a gratuitous e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

Avoiding The Narcissistic Gospel

"How to location a narcissist? It’s slowly to do…like angling inwards a barrel." Psychology Today (1)

Our modern emphasis on self-esteem powerfulness endure our biggest hindrance to Christian growth. 

Because of their self-ish focus, self-esteem teachings are pop alongside our fallen human nature (Ephesians 4:19-24). And despite the fact that they contradict Scripture, they've conk accepted past times many Christians in addition to promoted inwards pop "Christian" instruction (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

This agency increasing numbers of professing Christians are telling themselves lies.
   
For example:
Lie: God says to dearest others equally I dearest myself, in addition to I can't produce that until I get-go dearest myself. 

Truth: This is a ridiculous interpretation of Mark 12:31. This passage is near fair handling of others, non "feeling good" near others or near ourselves. 

God says self-denial, non self-esteem, is the fundamental to well for y'all Christianity (Matthew 16:24; Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12:3).

We should esteem God, non ourselves. When nosotros produce that, nosotros destination upwards feeling valued past times the solely One who matters.

To avoid the many errors of the narcissistic gospel, depository fiscal establishment jibe out Bible Love Note's archive Biblical Self-Esteem.

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(1) Thomas G. Plante, PhD, ABPP, Psychology Today

If you'd similar to produce a brusk Bible written report on this devotion, depository fiscal establishment jibe out today's Bite Size Bible Study.

Bible Love Notes

Some Unsafe Selfies

Selfies are becoming dangerous. 

According the Who's Worthy;  God Esteem in addition to Other-Focus; Not Even One
2. Nine Parts Flattery; Dangers of Self-Esteem
3. Greatest Human Need; If I Were God
4. Beauty From Adversity; Even When We Can't See the Good 

Bible Love Notes

I Tin Forcefulness Out Locomote Selfish, Exactly Jesus Is Helping Me Change

Being honest almost our faults is the start pace inward changing...

I tin survive a people-pleaser, exactly I’m learning that I need to focus on pleasing God as well as non man. 

I tin survive insecure, exactly I’m learning to survive less self-focused as well as to a greater extent than God-focused. 

I tin survive proud, exactly I’m learning to get got confidence inward Christ, non inward myself. 

I tin survive fearful, exactly I’m learning that His perfect dear casts out fear. 

I tin survive negative, exactly I’m learning that His wonderful salvation is plenty to brand whatever 2d a joy. 

I tin survive selfish, exactly I’m learning how to surrender my desires to serve God as well as others. 

“Not that I get got already obtained all this, or get got already been made perfect, exactly I press on to accept concord of that for which Christ Jesus took concord of me.” (Philippians 3:12-13). 

Our inclination is to emphasize the practiced inward our grapheme as well as create nil almost our sins. But the Bible calls us to honestly assess our sins as well as failures as well as press on to create better.

See also: 1 Peter 5:5-6 as well as James 1:22-25

Why non add together about to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule yesteryear having a 1-minute devotion similar this 1 delivered to your e-mail each weekday. Sign upward for a costless subscription to Bible Love Notes as well as decease a costless e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

Will Yous Hand Upwards Your Topographic Point Or Rest Selfish?

We alive inward a selfish world, simply Christians should last different...

You tin larn well-nigh selfishness on urban nub buses.

I’m proud of my husband, who at sixty-six is quick to surrender his spot spell younger men remain seated. 

Recently, nosotros boarded a urban nub autobus to come across an able-bodied duo occupying 4 seats, 2 for themselves as well as 2 for their luggage, violating autobus policy.* 

They ignored older people alongside packages as well as canes who walked yesteryear them looking for seats. 

Neither moved until a visibly delicate older adult woman asked the human being to give her 1 of his seats. 

Whether riding buses, waiting inward lines, driving inward traffic, talking alongside sales clerks ... any nosotros do, Christians should last "lights" (Matthew 5:16).

“Don’t last selfish …Don’t hold back out solely for your ain interests ...In your relationships alongside 1 another, accept the same mindset every bit Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-8 

We deny ourselves out of dear for Christ Who denied Himself for us (Matthew 16:24).
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Note: Elderly Christians or those alongside disabilities or injuries are non selfish to remain inward their seats on buses.

*This urban nub autobus describe of piece of occupation specified on signs on the autobus walls that all packages must jibe on passengers' laps or nether the seat.

Why non add together roughly to a greater extent than of God's Word to your schedule yesteryear having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your electronic mail each weekday. Sign upward for a gratuitous subscription to Bible Love Notes as well as become a gratuitous e-booklet. Find out to a greater extent than HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Distracted From The Truth

Technology constantly distracts us.

Couples sit down at the same tabular array focused on their phones, ignoring each other.

We interrupt face-to-face conversations to accept or mail text messages.

But nosotros don’t withdraw applied scientific discipline to divert our attention. Most of us are pitiable listeners amongst or without it.

We're a self-focused culture, too it's affecting our relationships amongst others every bit good every bit our human relationship amongst God.

But nosotros tin muster the courage to stand upwards against these selfish distractions.

Every day, God is waiting to talk truth, encouragement, correction, warning, too comfort into our lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Let's allow naught distract us from listening to His Word each day.

"Blessed are those who brain to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." Proverbs 8:34 

It volition ameliorate our human relationship amongst God too amongst others!
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See also: Making Christian Friendships a Priority
and  Have We Forgotten What Real Friendship Looks Like?