Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Selfishness is the prioritization of one's own desires, needs, and interests above those of others. It is characterized by a lack of consideration for others and an excessive focus on oneself. In the biblical context, selfishness is often seen as contrary to the teachings of love, humility, and selflessness that are central to Christian doctrine.
Biblical References:1.
Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage highlights the call to humility and the importance of valuing others above oneself, contrasting sharply with selfish behavior.
2.
James 3:16 : "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Here, selfish ambition is linked to disorder and evil, suggesting that selfishness leads to chaos and moral corruption.
3.
Proverbs 18:1 : "He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment." This proverb warns against the isolation that comes from pursuing selfish desires, indicating that such behavior is contrary to wisdom and sound judgment.
4.
2 Timothy 3:1-2 : "But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy." This passage lists selfishness as a characteristic of people in the last days, associating it with other negative traits.
Theological Implications:Selfishness is often seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that is inherent in humanity. It is the antithesis of the self-giving love exemplified by Jesus Christ. In Christian theology, believers are called to emulate Christ's example of selflessness and sacrificial love. The call to "deny oneself" (
Matthew 16:24) is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, urging believers to put aside selfish desires in favor of serving God and others.
Practical Applications:1.
Cultivating Humility: Christians are encouraged to practice humility by considering others' needs and interests as more important than their own. This involves actively seeking ways to serve and uplift others.
2.
Generosity and Service: Acts of generosity and service are practical ways to combat selfish tendencies. By giving of one's time, resources, and energy to help others, believers can reflect the love of Christ.
3.
Community and Fellowship: Engaging in community and fellowship with other believers helps to counteract selfishness by fostering a spirit of unity and mutual support. The early church is often cited as a model of communal living and sharing (
Acts 2:44-45).
4.
Prayer and Reflection: Regular prayer and reflection on Scripture can help believers identify and address areas of selfishness in their lives. Seeking God's guidance and strength is essential in overcoming the natural inclination towards self-centeredness.
Warnings and Consequences:The Bible warns of the destructive nature of selfishness, both on a personal and communal level. Selfishness can lead to broken relationships, hinder spiritual growth, and create discord within the body of Christ. It is a barrier to experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for His people. As such, believers are urged to be vigilant against selfish tendencies and to strive for a life marked by love, generosity, and selflessness.
Topical Bible Verses
2 Corinthians 9:7Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
Topicalbible.orgJames 3:14-16
But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
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Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
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Proverbs 23:6
Eat you not the bread of him that has an evil eye, neither desire you his dainty meats:
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2 Timothy 3:2
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
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Ephesians 4:29-32
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
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Greek
3525. nepho -- to be sober, to abstain from wine... from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of
selfish passion, greed
... to have "one's wits (faculties) about them," which is the opposite of
being .
...Library
What Constitutes Disobedience to Moral Law?
... the law of the reason and of God, or the impulses of the sensibility, it follows
that moral agents are shut up to the necessity ofbeing selfish or benevolent...
Do are Then Make Void the Law through Faith? God Forbid; Yea, we...
... The devil, who is a purelyselfish being, is always accusing others of
being selfish. He accused Job of this: "Doth Job fear God...
Christian Lands.
... of persons living in this atmosphere, and enjoying its great advantages, are wholly
selfish in the main drive of their lives, and so inbeing selfish are un...
The Essential Elements of Christian Experience.
... what can I do? How can I helpbeing selfish? Alas, he has no idea of acting
from any other or higher motive than his own interests....
Growth in Christliness of Life.
... And men look at the beautiful Jesus held up in Unitarian pulpits and resolve to
act like Him, and go right onbeing selfish, and proud, and deceitful, and...
JMJT May 8, 1888
... I do not listen, as you see; I should be afraid ofbeing selfish in wishing
for myself the better part"I mean the suffering. You...
Revival in the Home
... Then what about "seeking not our own," that is, notbeing selfish? Many times a
day we put our wishes and interests before those of the other one....
The End of Religion
... and more. Christ came to deliver us from our selfishness; frombeing slaves
to ourselfish prudence andselfish interest. But we...
Moral Depravity.
... Who ever saw one unregenerate humanbeing that was notselfish, that did not obey
his feelings rather than the law of his intelligence, that was not under some...
1 Corinthians xiii. 11
... become less teachable, less ignorant, lessselfish, less thoughtless. "Less teachable,"
I would wish to mean, in the sense ofbeing "less indiscriminately...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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