selfless: concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own; unselfish

selfish: lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one’s own personal profit or pleasure

self-centered: preoccupied with oneself and one’s affairs

I was watching a TV program and enjoying it. The characters were funny and the story line was entertaining. The characters included: the perfect homemaker, the goofball, the tired mother, and the beautiful trophy wife. I found myself laughing at the predicaments they continually found themselves. After several episodes, it struck me how one of the characters was so self-absorbed. So many of her problems were brought about by this self-centered and selfish personality.

That led me to look at myself. Was I selfish or selfless? Did I put others before myself? Was focused on me or others? Then I picked up my Bible and read the following verses:

Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

1 Corinthians 10:24: No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Mark 12:31: The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.

1 Peter 3:8: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.

That is pretty clear. I do not consider myself selfish; however, there is always room for improvement. My goal is to be more focused on others and how I can serve.