Scripture to Read: Romans 15:2–3
God had Paul continue to edify all believers by challenging us to examine our hearts toward others. God had Paul write in Romans 15:2, “Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.” This one scripture verse alone flies in the face of our modern-day culture. We know we are all born into sin and have a selfish nature, especially without Christ. Even with Christ in us, we still have to crucify our selfish thoughts, feelings, and motives daily. A simple test to prove we are bent toward thinking of ourselves first can be done by asking ourselves, “When I’m in a group photo, who is the first person I look at in that photo?” Almost everyone we know would say, I look at myself to make sure I look good.” It’s not until we see ourselves that we’ll make our final assessment of whether we like the picture. God also tells us how ugly selfishness is in James 3:14–16, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.” God says that when we are selfish, we’ve bought the lie of worldly wisdom and that it is not from Him. So, to live according to Romans 15:2, we must crucify our selfish desires to please our Lord, for pleasing Him is what matters most.
Challenge & Application
· We know we are inherently selfish, but we must die to our selfishness and serve, so how are you currently doing that?
· How are you guarding against being selfish since we know it is a battle we all face daily?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!