It's All About Me, So Stop Being Selfish

Why is it that our culture promotes such a "me-first" image, and yet there are countless hero movies beloved by all that focus on the beauty of being selfless and serving others? Heroes like Captain America are praised and held up to us as examples of what we should be, and yet we are taught to value ourselves, our stuff, and our time above all things. It's as though we believe that everyone should be selfless except us.

Remember the Greatest Commandment? It says to love God above all things, and love others second. There's nothing in there about loving yourself first, above all things. We are so prone to lose sight of this and think that everything should be all about us.

What does the Bible say about selflessness?

• Philippians 2:3-4-"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." 
• Galatians 5:14-"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

It doesn't get much more straightforward than that! Think about it: if everyone loved their friends and neighbors as much as we usually love ourselves, that would be a whole lot of love! 

This could mean letting your sister have the better seat in the car or when you're watching a movie. It could mean giving free babysitting to a woman in your church who needs help, or helping your mom with extra chores you don't usually do. 

There are tons of little ways to bring selflessness into your daily life, if you actively look for them!

What do you think? Is this a problem you have noticed with our culture? Can you suggest ways to show selflessness to those around you? Are there other Bible verses on this topic you would like to share?