What Does Selfishness Really Accomplish?

Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].

Matthew 10:39 (AMPC)

Selfishness can be sneaky. In our minds, we think it’s the best way to get what we want and need. We’re convinced that if we can do what we want, when we want, and how we want, we’ll be happy.

However, selfishness is really a form of spiritual bondage (something that prevents us from being free). When we’re always focused on ourselves, it can make us feel like we’re living in solitary confinement. On the other hand, generous living is God’s will, and it always makes us happy!

For years I was always on my mind, and I am so grateful to God for setting me free. I wouldn’t say I am totally free because I still see selfishness creeping into my life. But at least I have made progress, and I now know that being selfish is not the pathway to joy.

Selfishness is something we will always be tempted with and need to resist, so don’t feel bad when it returns from time to time. I try to keep in mind what Jesus says in today’s scripture: Matthew 10:39. If we choose to live unselfishly, we will find the higher life, which is far better than the reverse.

Loving people not only makes them happy; it makes us happy too. But selfishness steals our joy. When we are selfish, we may think we are getting what we want, but the truth is that it still won’t make us happy because selfishness isn’t God’s will.

Jesus says in John 15:11, I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing (AMPC). He goes on to say, This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends (vv.12-13 AMPC).

We can see clearly that the path to joy is to live focused on others, not on ourselves. When you initially begin to live the unselfish life, it will be difficult. But the longer you do it, the more joy you will find as a result.

Adapted from the book What About Me? by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2024 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Let’s Pray: “God, it’s so easy to get caught up in what I want, think, and feel. But I truly want my focus to be on others, so I am trusting You to lead me to freedom in this area. Thank You for showing me that the way to true happiness and fulfillment is to live like Jesus did…selflessly. Help me to forgive myself when I mess up and celebrate the good things You are doing through me each day. Amen.”

Family Activity: Plant seeds of kindness! Everyone can make the world a better place by sowing seeds of God’s love and kindness. Whether it’s praying for someone, sharing a word of encouragement, or helping someone with a physical need, try to plant at least one seed of kindness every day. God will cause His love to flourish everywhere you go! Plant seeds together to illustrate this simple lesson.