Selflessness in a World of Singularity

      It is no secret that our culture focuses on the individual, the me. Society encourages an egotistical approach to life. We are expected to view ourselves as the only individuals who are of any real value. Other people are really only a means to whatever end we view as the most beneficial to us at any given moment. We pass up opportunities to help people simply because it is not convenient, or it does not seem to present any immediate reward for us. Friends, this should not be so!

       The church is called to be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out, helping, supporting, caring for and loving others. All too often, however, we fall into the trap of singularity. We know that we are supposed to help them, but the feeling of individuality within us often convinces us that it is not worth our time or effort to help. What is worse, we have even, in some ways, conditioned our minds to not even notice the needs of those around us.

      Our focus should be like that of Christ Jesus, who was the perfect picture of selflessness. 2 Corinthians 8:9 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." Jesus gave up all of his perfect, eternal, glorious, heavenly reign to come to us. I have heard the word of the gospel my entire life, I have been a Christian for almost twelve years and still, no matter how hard I try, I cannot grasp why He would do that. The only reason I can find is exactly the topic of this post: Jesus was completely and utterly selfless. How many of us would give up a billion dollar salary, a fancy car and a ten thousand square foot mansion to go live with and minister to the homeless, poor or disabled. Sadly, I think too many of us would not be willing to sacrifice luxury for ministry. Jesus gave up all of that on an infinitely larger scale. He gave up eternity for mortality. He sacrificed the glories of heaven for menial carpentry in the poor Nazareth. He gave up the multitudes of angels singing his praises for preaching on the dusty roads and hills of Israel. He left his seat at the right hand of God Almighty to eat with tax collectors and sinners. If this does not epitomize selflessness, I do not know what does.

      The period that has popularly been called the "Holiday Season" frequently demonstrates both selfless actions and some of the most selfish actions. I have heard the phrase "'tis the season of giving" and so many people agree that Christmas time is the time of year when people are most caring and generous towards one another. Sadly, our culture has turned this special time of year into a greedy, self-centered shopping frenzy. A man is willing to throw an old woman to the ground to rip the last discounted DVD player from her arms. We as a society have lost focus on what the original meaning of this season actually is. Christmas is the holiday of ultimate selflessness. The Creator of the universe came to earth, was born in a cave, grew up in favor with God and men, taught the truth, healed the sick and ultimately gave his life to save the world.

      I recently finished a study called "Fulfilled." This was a twelve chapter study on how to live a biblically fulfilling life. I was surprised to find that eight of the twelve chapters were talking about service. This study showed that the way to live a fulfilling life was to, first, pursue God and his perfection; secondly, we are to serve others and sacrifice ourselves for the betterment of others and not for our selfish impulses. This Christmas, let us not lose sight of the selfless sacrifice that this holiday represents: the Almighty God giving up his perfect son to die to save the world and give them a way to join in eternal fellowship with Him. Let us try, this Christmas, to give of ourselves. Think from an altruistic mindset, think of how you can give and spend yourself to come to the aid of others around you. We are not called to take the spotlight, nor are we supposed to seek our selfish desires, we need to take after the example that the Redeemer set for us.

     I know that I am not perfect, and I hope I never pretend to or imply that I am. All I want to be is a helpful brother spurring you on to be the best Christ-follower you can be. I need not the applause of man, I am simply using my spiritual gift of teaching, my knowledge of the scripture and my relationship with the Savior to communicate what has been on my heart as this Christmas approaches. I am fully aware that I am not a picture of selfless sacrifice. Rather, I am frequently characterized by being somewhat self-absorbed. By no means am I perfect, but by the grace of God I am in full pursuit of perfect Christ likeness.