Mr. "S" asked me this while ago. Is sinning the same thing as being selfish? [Spirituality & Religion]
Definition of selfish. 1 : concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself : seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others. 2 : arising from concern with one's own welfare or advantage in disregard of others a selfish act.
Thinking of yourself, caring for yourself or doing something nice for yourself, is not the same thing as being selfish. And doing so does not make one a bad person.
However, we can say that all sin is actually selfishness; all sin is choosing to give into something that you want, no matter the cost or consequences to you or others, that you feel serves you in that moment, even if it hurts someone else. This can also be called “egotism.” The very root of the word is "self". Self-seeking, self-indulgence. Thinking only of oneself, above the interest of others. It's interesting to note that even in the middle of the word "sin" is the letter "I". As in, "I want my way."
Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to "do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Selfishness or empty conceit is often expressed by building up oneself while tearing down someone else. It is one of the “works of the flesh” according to Galatians 5:20. It leads to “disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Selfishness caused the children of Israel to “willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved” (Psalm 78:18). Selfishness caused the rich young ruler to turn his back on Jesus (Matthew 19:21-22). Selfishness ruins friendships (Proverbs 18:1), hinders prayer (James 4:3). Selfishness caused the prodigal son to disobey his father, and seek out things of the world, that his father knew would bring him ruin. Yet, he did not care if he hurt his father. His life came to ruin, so he came sorrowfully back to his father, who welcomed him back with loving arms. His father knew it was a lesson his son would have to learn on his own, for it to benefit him.
Combating the sin of selfish ambition requires genuine humility. Unpretentious humility restores and grows relationships. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves in relation to God. “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3).
Prayer and a love of Scripture are necessary as well. “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain” (Psalm 119:36). Love covers a multitude of sins, including selfishness. If we are truly “devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10), we cannot be selfish. Having the attitude of Christ is to demonstrate tenderness and compassion for all those we come in contact with.
Another sure cure for selfishness is to know where our treasure is. The Christian holds the things of this world loosely, because "he knows his treasures are in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21). He knows it is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and he lives according to the truth that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Thinking of yourself, caring for yourself or doing something nice for yourself, is not the same thing as being selfish. And doing so does not make one a bad person.
However, we can say that all sin is actually selfishness; all sin is choosing to give into something that you want, no matter the cost or consequences to you or others, that you feel serves you in that moment, even if it hurts someone else. This can also be called “egotism.” The very root of the word is "self". Self-seeking, self-indulgence. Thinking only of oneself, above the interest of others. It's interesting to note that even in the middle of the word "sin" is the letter "I". As in, "I want my way."
Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to "do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Selfishness or empty conceit is often expressed by building up oneself while tearing down someone else. It is one of the “works of the flesh” according to Galatians 5:20. It leads to “disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Selfishness caused the children of Israel to “willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved” (Psalm 78:18). Selfishness caused the rich young ruler to turn his back on Jesus (Matthew 19:21-22). Selfishness ruins friendships (Proverbs 18:1), hinders prayer (James 4:3). Selfishness caused the prodigal son to disobey his father, and seek out things of the world, that his father knew would bring him ruin. Yet, he did not care if he hurt his father. His life came to ruin, so he came sorrowfully back to his father, who welcomed him back with loving arms. His father knew it was a lesson his son would have to learn on his own, for it to benefit him.
Combating the sin of selfish ambition requires genuine humility. Unpretentious humility restores and grows relationships. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves in relation to God. “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3).
Prayer and a love of Scripture are necessary as well. “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain” (Psalm 119:36). Love covers a multitude of sins, including selfishness. If we are truly “devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10), we cannot be selfish. Having the attitude of Christ is to demonstrate tenderness and compassion for all those we come in contact with.
Another sure cure for selfishness is to know where our treasure is. The Christian holds the things of this world loosely, because "he knows his treasures are in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21). He knows it is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and he lives according to the truth that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
