Selfishness by Marcel & Jacqueline Bruff

Selfishness

(December 2, 2025)

Selfishness is a pervasive issue in today's culture, and it's often rooted in materialism.

The following are five (5) points that highlight the dangers of selfishness, along with corresponding Bible verses:

1. Self-centered

"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: that if anyone would not work, neither should he eat." - 2 Thessalonians 3:10

A self-centered attitude leads to a lack of consideration for others and a focus on personal gain.

2. Self-absorbed

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves." - Philippians 2:3

Being self-absorbed blinds us to the needs and feelings of those around us.

3. Self-serving

"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:26-28

Self-serving behavior prioritizes personal interests over the well-being of others.

4. Self-indulging

"And he said to them, 'Take care, and be watchful against all covetousness, for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" - Luke 12:15

Self-indulgence leads to a never-ending pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction.

5. Self-glorifying

"For all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." - Philippians 2:21

Self-glorification is the ultimate expression of selfishness, seeking to elevate oneself above others.

As Christians, we are called to a different way of life:

Submission: "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ." - Ephesians 5:21

Servitude "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45

Sacrifice "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." - Romans 12:1-2

Forsaking "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 10:37-39

Questions for Reflection

How do I prioritize my own interests over the needs of others?

Am I willing to submit to others and serve them in humility?

What sacrifices am I being called to make in order to follow Jesus?

What am I willing to forsake in order to follow Jesus?

Dear Lord, help me to recognize the destructive nature of selfishness in my life. Teach me to submit to others, to serve with humility, and to sacrifice for the sake of others. Help me to forsake my own interests and desires, and to follow you wholeheartedly. May your Spirit guide me and transform me into the image of Christ. Amen.

Marcel and Jackie Bruff

@walkgoodinchrist