Many of the problems in the world today are because of selfishness. We strive to better ourselves at the expense of others, and this leads to all kinds of social problems like poverty, injustice, war, racism, and exploitation.

Philippians 2: 3-4

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.

Selfishness leads to arrogance and pride and is the enemy of humility. CS Lewis put it so well. He said that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.

We have to look after ourselves while also taking an interest in others.

I don’t have to put someone else down to get ahead in life. Our lives and well-being are linked to others, and that is the way that God has designed us to function.

2 Timothy 3: 2

For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful They will consider nothing sacred.

Some people will do almost anything for money. We are called to love people and use money. Too often, we use people and love money. Greed driven by selfishness. We need to have dreams and goals but always in the context of being a blessing to our family, friends and community.

James 3:14-16

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

Selfishness blinds us to God’s wisdom, and we make bad decisions that bring much turmoil and confusion. As we mature as believers, we learn to live unselfish and giving lives. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you, helping you to die to self and to live for others.