|
 "How
many times did he make reference to himself?" This question
was asked me while I was speaking to a brother about a recent
convert. Not yet realizing the intent of the question, I again
explained that I had been meeting and studying with this
particular babe in Christ for several months, but there seemed
to be little progress. The same problems and weaknesses kept
coming back with little or no effort being made to overcome
them. Sure, he listened to the scriptures and wrote them down,
convinced that this time he would do better. Yet a few days
later, he would return with the same problems. Again, the
brother who had been listening to me asked, "How many times
did he make reference to himself?" Remembering past
conversations, I began to realize at least part of the problem.
The young convert was always referring to himself — what he
wanted to do and why he couldn't overcome his
weaknesses and his failures. He was so preoccupied
with himself that there was very little room for God or others.
His self- centeredness was the main hindrance to his spiritual
growth.
The
saying that a seed must die to itself before it can grow applies
to the spiritual realm as well. Truly, we must die to ourselves
before we can begin to grow. The most destructive weapon against
that growth is selfishness. This self-centeredness manifests
itself in many ways: bearing grudges, prejudices, pouting,
rebellious and angry attitudes, temper tantrums, destructive
criticism, self-indulgence, etc. What work of the flesh (Gal.
5:19-21) does not stem from selfishness? Is there any sin which
is not, in some way, connected with selfishness? If
| |
we are to
overcome our weaknesses, we must first learn to
overcome our selfishness. Jesus said, "For whosoever would
save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life
for my sake shall find it." It is for this reason that he
said in the preceding verse that we must deny ourselves. (Mat.
16:24,25)
Are
you denying yourself as far as your brethren are concerned? Do
you take the time to visit those that may have a spiritual
problem (Gal. 6:1,2)? Do you take the time to visit the new
Christians; to invite them into your home — or are you too
busy? Do you notice who missed services at the last assembling,
or are you too concerned with getting home to watch the ball
game? Selfishness can blind us to the needs of our brethren, but
an even greater tragedy is that it can blind us to the needs of
the lost! "The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the
laborers are few" (Matt. 9:37) — and a lot of potential
laborers are too selfish to help bring in the harvest! Christ
gave up his life — can't we give him our time in return?
As
long as Satan can keep us preoccupied with our own selfish
desires and pursuits, Christ's work will continue to be pushed
aside. As long as our emphasis remains on what we want and our
"compassion" remains self-pity, we will continue to
neglect the needs of our brethren and the needs of the lost.
Remember, selfishness hinders not only your own growth, but the
salvation and growth of those around you. Where is your
emphasis: on yourself or others? Kevan O'Banion
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
