Dealing With Selfishness

As we learned yesterday, we begin the process of changing our selfish self-centered way of living by first turning our will and our lives over to God.  Both the Bible and the Big Book of AA clearly tell us that self-effort alone will not work.  What are some tools God is giving us that will help us enter into this new and satisfying way of unselfish living?

1.  Be Humble:  Combating the sin of selfish ambition requires genuine humility. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves in relation to God and others. Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans 12:3 NLT).

2.  Pray and Study God's Word:  Prayer and meditation on God's word are necessary to our recovery and well-being.  The Bible teaches us:  “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain” (Psalm 119:36 NIV). The founders of AA clearly explain the need to intentionally seek to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out.  The steps set out in specific detail how to go about doing this.   The progression is in coming to know and recognize God, turning our will over to Him and placing ourselves into His care, confessing our shortcomings to Him, seeking His wisdom for our daily lives and by continuing to take daily inventory.

3. Intentionally Honor Others:  As we live with God in recovery our attitude towards others becomes one of genuine care rather than co-dependent 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 NLT)

4. Give Generously:  An unselfish person knows that money and possessions are for sharing not hoarding. A sure cure for selfishness is the practice of sharing.   You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 NLT).

Let’s learn from God’s word and the words of those who’ve gone before us and whose wisdom is contained in the Big Book of AA.  Let’s look beyond ourselves to loving God and loving others.  Let’s embrace the love that God has for us and allow others to love us.  Let’s allow God to help us become what we were created to be – people in relationship with Him and with others rather than self-centered people.

©2015 Partners in Hope