Being Selfless

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:1-5

Sometimes I wish that it was easier to be selfless. I had a moment the other day when I could either choose to be upset about something (that really wasn't bothering me in any physical or emotional way) or choose to be selfless and let it go. Honestly, I was a little irritated. I had to remind myself that what was happening wasn't hurting me in any way. I just wanted something a certain way and it wasn't happening that way.

I find at times I do things without thinking about how what I do might affect others. We all do, right? I really try to make sure that I think about others but when it comes down to it, I will never suceed at being perfect at selflessness. But thankfully, God helps me with this and if I find my security in Him and have my needs met by Him, then I can meet others needs with Him. I want my life to be worth something. I wonder if maybe this isn't selfless but I guess it depends on what the worth is or means. God is so devoted to me and faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). If that is so, then shouldn't I devote myself to a life fully devoted to others for the purpose of showing them God's love and hopefully encouraging them to desire to be in His likeness? I wonder what this looks like for different people. Obviously, we all have different jobs and daily tasks we do. How to we incorporate self-sacrifice to others for God's glory into our daily lives?

I used to speak out for God with two motives: one for God and one for me. It was about me first and getting my needs met by people as I encouraged them to seek God. Although, I was encouraging them to seek God, I didn't have the security and peace in God. So even though my intentions were for God's glory, my motives were for my glory (for my heart to be full). Instead of letting God fill my heart, I tried to fill it myself. In so doing, I didn't see that what I needed was right in front of me because my selfishness clouded my judgement.

I looked up the definition for selflessness online. All the definitions I read basically said that selflessness was having no concern for yourself but instead unselfish concern for the welfare of others. For me getting to selflessness means: First, realizing that my words and actions affect other, therefore I would like to live looking for others needs. Second, realize I need to see my needs, give them to God, let Him provide (through His word or others He places in my life). Thirdly, realize others may take advantage of my selflessness but be able to set boundaries to help everyone stay healthy and moving in holiness towards God. Lastly and most importantly, serve others in love with God as my source of strength.

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a