Selfishness or Principle?

Selfishness is an all-consuming fire, likened to the raging wildfires that claim millions of dollars in property and hundreds of lives each year. Selfishness often hides its true nature as passion or principle. It comes as a beautiful temptress with a silver tongue, yet it leaves wearing our souls. Selfishness pervades our American culture, but it isn’t uniquely American. Selfishness is a human characteristic not seen among nature and often cultivated out of lies. Selfishness is the sister of Hate. Selfishness is the enemy of Love.

Selfishness says, “I’ll eat the last cookie,” whereas Love says, “Here, take the last cookie.”

Selfishness says, “I earn the money, so I’ll spend it as I see fit.” Love says, “I recognize your equal contribution to our marriage, so we’ll share in everything.”

“And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Cor 5:15, NKJV)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” (Phil 2:3, NIV)

Love is as easy as putting others’ needs first. Love shows itself in the sacrifices we make for each other rather than the sacrifices we force others to make. Love gives others freedom while binding ourselves to their choices. Selfishness, on the other hand, takes advantage for our own gains. It takes and then cries foul when it’s taken from. Selfishness masquerades easily as passion or principle, claiming, “This is right, even though it benefits me and hurts you.”

Racism is selfish. Racism takes from others because they are different. Their skin, language, culture, or place of origin is different, so they must be of lesser value. But as clear as racism is, other forms of selfishness are less obtuse.

Today’s culture of selfishness takes many forms. It demands a thousand genders, guns only for the elite, and reparations for a crime we didn’t commit. It takes discriminately from those who have little and gives to those who have less – never impacting those who have much. It chooses one set of rules for the masses while enjoying an elite set of rules for – the elites. Selfishness takes root in our principles and, like Eve who couldn’t see the Serpent’s true nature through the veil of her selfishness (Gen 3), we fail to notice the damage it causes to others.

If you aren’t sure which side of today’s 2nd Amendment vs. gun control, gender arguments, border wall vs. free movement, healthcare, and reparations arguments are selfish and not actually principled, re-read 2 Corinthians 5 and Philippians 2. If you still can’t decide, then maybe dip your toes into Hebrews 10:25-31, wake up early on Sunday, and ask your local pastor – after you’ve heard him preach. And if all else fails, ask yourself, “Which side benefits you more than me?” That’s love, as Jesus defines it.

(Photo: Raising Men)