Unintentionally, I think that COVID quarantining has produced an unwanted side effect. Increased selfishness. Now, hear me out. I realize that many positives and saved lives came from this necessary, safeguarding step. However, I have to admit that in this “almost” post-COVID period, it seems all too easy for me to be selfish.
Being limited has been trying and being released from COVID restrictions is coming at an “oh-so-slow” pace. It reminds me of those dreams when you need to run from something and all you can muster is an excruciatingly slow jog. During this time, our sinful tendency of selfishness naturally rears its ugly head. Coupled with a year of isolation, and we find ourselves living on the “me planet.” For example, I’ve found it easier to think of myself first and cancel get-togethers, Small Group meetings, one-on-one coffee or lunch discipleship opportunities, and even family gatherings. These very things feed my soul and are what’s best for me. I need to get back to them.
Love Jesus and Others
I believe the enemy likes to weaken our relationships with others. He does this because they are absolutely vital to our Christian walk with the Lord. The Apostle Paul likens our spiritual relationships with others to a body of many parts (Ephesians 5:30, Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12). They are co-dependent on each other and necessary. In some ways, it’s similar to oneness in marriage. Loving one another is God’s command — no opting out for the Christian. Here is some further instruction from Philippians:
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. — Philippians 2:3-5
Above all, we can always look to Jesus for the standard. He displayed the opposite of selfishness when gave His own life for us. He was almost always with people. Philippians 2:5 doesn’t suggest or refer to having the same attitude of Christ. It indicates we must have the same attitude as Christ. Knowing Jesus and having a genuine relationship with Him, squelches the lies of the enemy. The lies that breed selfishness. It frees us up to love one another and have the same attitude as Christ; we do this simply by being together in honest and real relationships. It’s the Body of Christ living out the intended life.
Don’t be selfish — love Jesus and love others!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor