Scripture References:
- “…If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16..24, New Living Translation)
- Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2.3-4)
- …People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
Biblical Reflection
Selflessness goes beyond making personal sacrifices such as sharing material wealth and God-given talent. It is doing the right things for the right reasons without seeing or expecting personal recognition (Philippians 2:3-4). Selflessness is sacrificing one’s personal desires for the common good. In the context of Scripture, that good refers to the Good News of the Gospel.
The Good News is: God loves unconditionally, saves, delivers, heals, and keeps those who trust him. Salvation is free to all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, social and economic standing. God is no respecter of persons. Hence John 3.16 reads, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus requires his followers to proclaim the Good News by word and through good works that are motivated by love and compassion, thus demonstrating God’s love.
Food For Thought:
- Good deeds point to and elevate God.
- Good deeds are motivated by genuine compassion for others.
Jesus calls his followers to live selflessly. Selflessness is counter-cultural. Unlike many contemporary philosophies and ideologies that focus on satisfying the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, selfless living strives to build a harmonious faith community. It requires individual believers to hold paramount their calling to proclaim the Good News. In fulfilling that calling they are to:
- love;
- forgive;
- demonstrate compassion;
- share generously;
- do no harm;
- behave graciously-even toward opponents;
- repent and pray constantly, and
- trust God.
To God be all glory!
Reflections 
I wish the world could read this. No, more importantly I wish the world lived like this. It seems we all have become so selfish that all we focus on are the things that either bring us pleasure or help us avoid discomfort /pain. I say all of that by pointing the finger directly at myself. I will try harder to give of my heart so that others can see God’s grace in me.
Amen!
Amen
I pray constantly for God to grant me the gift of a clean heart and a right spirit so I live in a way that Glorifies God by doing good deeds that include forgiving others, withholding judgment, and assessing my own spiritual and moral and compasses.
We have become very busy with life hustle and bustle, not making time to listen to God’s voice, no quite time, our prayer life, our families near and far! God please help ua to be more livibg, caring, less busy so we can hear your voice and your instructions for our lives in the precious name of Jesus
Amen!
Regarding your line “salvation is free to all”. I’m always blown away when I consider that salvation is free to us but cost God more than I could possibly conceive of.. Thanks for reminding me!!
Amen!!!!!