Praying To Live Unselfishly

We spoke a bit yesterday about the need to have a look at ourselves and how we relate to others as we have more and more opportunities to be with others. 

The process of changing from a selfish self-centered way of living has to begin with turning our will and our life over to God’s care.  Self- effort alone does not work. 

I thought we might have a little look at some things the Bible tells us about selfishness and self-centeredness and allow God’s Spirit to reshape our hearts and thinking around these truths.  With God’s help, what are some of the actions we can take that will help us enter a new and satisfying way of unselfish living?

Be Humble:  Battling the sin of selfishness requires genuine humility.  This means having a true perception about ourselves in relation to God and to others. 

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3

Pray and Study God's Word:  Regular prayer and meditation on God's word are absolutely essential to our well-being personally and in relationship with others.  The Bible teaches us:

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.  Psalm 119:36; Philippians 2:3

Intentionally Honor Others:  As we live with God and make a habit of following His instructions, our attitude towards others becomes one of genuine care and concern rather than personal approval seeking.  

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9-10

Give Generously:  An unselfish person knows that money and possessions are for sharing not hoarding.  A sure cure for selfishness is the practice of giving. 

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Heavenly Father, we want to learn from Your word and from those who have travelled the path of life before us.  We want to let go of our selfish ways and allow your love to flow through us to others.  Help us to look beyond ourselves and become people of humility and sober judgment.  Help us to love others as You love us.

With Your help, in the power of Your Spirit living in us, we know that we can take action today and every day that will help us more and more fully live this new way of life that is ultimately so much more satisfying than our living only to please ourselves.

Help us to be humble so we can think correctly about ourselves and others.  Give us the discipline to keep learning from You and Your Word every day.  As You have honoured us, so may we live to honour You and others today in how we think and act and speak.  Help us to have generous hearts that seek to bless and uplift those we interact with today, we pray.  Amen