Sermon # 41 - Set Aside Selfishness Series

We read in Ephesians 4:14-15, “Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head.” (GNB)

There are two parts of this verse that I wish to highlight, the first one being, ‘no longer be children’ and the second one is to, ‘grow up in every way’. Anyone who is born again into the Kingdom of God as His children, do so by placing their faith in Jesus, and repenting of their sins. This transformation as children of God is for the sole purpose that Jesus Christ should be displayed in and through our lives.

When a baby is born, the parents and everyone around them rejoice only if the child is growing up day by day. Only if there is growth and maturity, the child will be able to fulfill the purpose for which he or she was created.

Paul is therefore admonishing the church is Ephesus that they should grow and mature in their faith in Christ.

Have you noticed how when a baby is hungry, he or she will wail and cry until the hunger is satisfied? A baby wants his or her needs met, and when this is not done, the child will keep crying. So also when a parent is taking the baby anywhere, they will make sure that they have the necessary things like milk, cereal and water for the baby. However, the same child as he or she grows up will mature in many ways. As adults we know that things change, and even if we have some needs we can manage or adjust till the appropriate time, without drawing attention to ourselves. Sadly, there are many who are grown up, but still have in them childish qualities. When things don’t go their way they will rave and rant, and will always seek to have everyone’s attention on themselves. This kind of a character in adults is what we call selfishness.

Whenever people are selfish, one can be certain that there will also be a rift in relationships. In families, if a husband is selfish, he will be addicted to certain habits, and not bother about the welfare of his family. So also, if a woman wants to live a life of luxury, she will spend more than their income allows, and will not be willing to sacrifice anything for the well-being of their family. This can true in any relationship, be it those between parent and child, or amongst siblings that wherever selfishness is present, we can be certain that there will be discord.

The word of God therefore reminds us in Philippians 2:4, “Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.” (TPT)

A family that allowed selfishness to rule them

In Genesis 25 we read about the family of Isaac and Rebekah and their two sons Esau and Jacob.

We read in Genesis 25:27, “The boys grew up, and Esau became a skilled hunter, a man who loved the outdoors, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home.” (GNB)

Both these boys Esau and Jacob were different in temperament, and while the elder one was an outdoors man who was skilled in hunting, the younger one was of a quiet nature and preferred to stay at home.

As we study the life of this family, we will be able to pick up lessons that we can apply to ourselves as individuals and families.

Parents who showed favoritism

We read in Genesis 25:28, “Isaac loved Esau. He liked to eat the animals Esau killed. But Rebekah loved Jacob.” (ERV)

In this family the father Isaac was fond of Esau who hunted animals and cooked delicious meals for his Dad. The mother Rebekah on the other hand favored Jacob, who probably stayed home and helped his mother in her chores around the house. This kind of partiality by the father and mother was one of the main reasons for problems in their family. Isaac wanted his appetite satisfied and hence his selfishness prompted him to love Esau, and so also Rebekah was selfish to want to have her son Jacob with her the whole time.

Here’s a word of advice to all parents, irrespective of how many children you have; treat all of them equally without any favoritism. This kind of equality should be evident in all relationships and if this is missing, one can be certain that there will be problems. We have divisions amongst ourselves based on social status, wealth, caste, region and language. The root cause for all of these divisions is selfishness, and if not dealt with it will sure lead to misunderstanding and conflict in relationships.