Roots of Selfishness

Life in addiction narrowed our focus to a self-absorbed view of what we thought we needed in life.  Life in recovery is a journey of recognizing the self-centered ways we have lived, and then seeking God and mentors to teach us how to live considerately and kindly towards others.

The founders of AA were not wrong when they described the selfishness problem this way: “Selfishness -- self-centeredness!  That, we think, is the root of our troubles.  Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate. Sometimes they hurt us, seemingly without provocation, but we invariably find that at some time in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us in a position to be hurt. Above everything, we must be rid of this selfishness.  We must, or it kills us!”  (Big Book pages 62-63)

The Bible instructs us:  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. (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT)

Selfish people have difficulty seeing life from anyone else's point of view.  People in addiction rarely concern themselves with what is best for others. Unfortunately, that self-centered mindset doesn't automatically change when we give up our destructive habits. Unless we intentionally learn and put into effect an unselfish way of living, we will simply transfer our current selfish mindset to a new area of self-interest.

It is important to focus on our beliefs and behaviours in early recovery, and it is equally important to compare those beliefs and behaviours with what God says in His word.  I am giving you a new commandment:  Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  (John 13:34 NLT) 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Forgive me for my self-focused way of living.  Help me to live in the security of your care and unfailing love for me.  Teach me how to love and care for others and keep me from evil that I may not cause harm to anyone.  Amen