When considering the many components within a person’s character, selfishness, or selflessness, often stands out as obvious.
From the first sin ever committed, selfishness was in Lucifer’s heart when he thought to himself “I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14). Not surprising then, that selfishness was at the heart of the serpent’s temptation of Eve, who looked upon the forbidden fruit, and in essence said to herself, eating will bring me pleasure. So she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband (Genesis 3:6). And to this day, we all experience the painful outcome of Eve’s selfish decision.
However, Yahweh is the opposite. From the beginning of time, He is seen to be selfless in His character and interactions with His creation. From a human perspective, none is more selfless than God’s son, Jesus Christ. Who made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:7-8). It should not surprize us then, that Jesus said selflessness is the second most important of all God’s commandments: You shall love your neighbour as yourself (Mark 12:31), which Paul repeated in Galatians 5:14.
The Christian life, especially church life, is not about self. Rather, it’s about the Lord Jesus Christ and His people, who Christ has partnered us with. Next to how you live Christ in your home and family, your local church congregation is the primary place where your true heart condition will express itself. Overflowing from your relationships within the family of God, will come your relationships with your non-believing friends and colleagues. Jesus explained this in John 13:35, by this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Selfless love within the body of Christ is Jesus’ powerful declaration to the world of His selfless love expressed on the cross.
Jesus’ love is the foundation for Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:1-2, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. If we desire to be increasingly like God, and we should, Jesus is our template. The self-sacrificing love Jesus has for us continues as a sweet smelling sacrifice to God, which we are to mimic.
Selfless God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all… (Romans 8:32). Oh, may we invite the severity of God’s example to grip our hearts? Yahweh surrendered His only Son to the cross for we sinners. For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). How can we ever look at the world or our fellow Christian with selfish eyes with such a mountainous and glorious example before us.
May we today, pray with David, who pleaded in Psalm 119:36, Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! May we obey Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:3-4, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. In these ways, may we be imitators of God, as beloved children. May selfless God truly be our God, our Saviour, and our LORD. May selfless Jesus Christ, by the power of selfless Holy Spirit, dominate our characters and lives for His glory and the blessing of others.
