Galatians 5:19-20 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions,
Selfish ambitions is a sin included in the list of the works of the flesh, and it is quite evident. Selfish people put themselves first before others, even their own children. We see this a lot in our society today.
Jesus set the example for us to follow, and He put everyone before Himself. In fact, He laid down His Perfect Life for the sins of the entire world, including people who openly hated Him. He demonstrated the Righteous Spirits of Love and Mercy over the demonic spirit of selfishness.
It’s natural for people to be selfish. If you don’t believe me, put two toddlers in a playpen with one toy and watch what happens. Within minutes, or less, it will be a fight over the single toy. This behavior is the manifestation of the sin nature that we all are born with due to the fall of mankind way back in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve first ate of the forbidden fruit.
We have the ability to live selfless lives instead of selfish ones, but only by way of the Cross of Christ is this possible. Jesus died for all sin, including selfish ambition, and only by placing our faith totally in Him and His Sacrifice on the Cross can we begin to see what it means to live a selfless life.
The Apostle Paul taught much on the subject of self. The old self (prior to being born again) is filled with selfish ambition and conceit, and Paul strictly warns the Church against such behavior. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Philippians 2:3)
Life inside the Pasture of Plenty is the only place we find the ability to be selfless and put others before ourselves. When we stay close to the Cross of Christ and keep our eyes on Him and His Sacrifice, we will be constantly reminded of the example of the Selfless Life Jesus led and be convicted to live our lives by His example.
Jesus said, Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
Jesus’ example will..........turn the tide...........in your life.
Eyes on His example, Doreen
