Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit

 

 

No wise person would want friends who always are selfish. Do take note that a selfish person can cause harm to anyone especially friends and family, in his or her vain pursuits for self-gratification. This harm can be financial losses, loss of reputation, and even loss of life to name a few.  Would you still want to be friends with such friends who are selfish?

 

If you don’t want a selfish friend, it’s only fair to ask of you to never ever be selfish yourself. If you are not selfish it doesn’t mean that you to be self-harming nor self-deceiving. In fact, you’re better poised to help your friends and family. You can progress in life by being a blessing to others and yes it’s totally possible. So, if you choose to never be selfish and simply follow the Word of God you will be found truly worthy in this life and in the afterlife.

 

Verses for reflection:

1. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

2. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

3. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10:24)

4. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (James 3:16)

5. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. (Proverbs 11:25)

6. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Romans 15:2)

7. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)

8. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:31)

9. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18)

10. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! (Psalm 119:36)

11. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)

12. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

13. And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

There Is Power In The Blood of Jesus (Video)

Last Christmas I gave you my heart (A Christian perspective)

You might have heard the song “Last Christmas” in the past few years. Originally it was sung by the musical duo called Wham! in 1984. In later years, even other singers have tried their luck with it. It’s very popular in most of the world. The musical score seems pleasant overall despite it having elements of a relationship gone bad. However, I do find it odd now in terms of the Bible and I’ll tell you why.

Let’s read a few of the lyrics of that song:

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart

But the very next day, you gave it away

This year, to save me from tears I

‘ll give it to someone special

So this about a love relationship between a couple gone bad. Doesn’t seem they were married yet but this was a beginning in their relationship. However, this was short and now the person whose heart got broke got a plan. To avoid the previous year’s hurt, it will be new relationship with a new person. The thing that looks weird is that of all the days in the world, they had to decide on the relationship at the time we ponder upon the Savior’s coming into the world.

No wonder, I really find this concept odd. Basically, this song tells us that instead of praying and rejoicing in remembrance of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ this person bothered instead to propose someone for marriage. Further still, the couple had mutual acceptance of the proposal in the time when people come to celebrate at church. Were they away from church at time? Or where they too attracted to each other that they got distracted from Christ? A yes to any one of this question speaks volumes about the priority they gave to Christ.

They didn’t keep Christ first at all!

Now compare their behaviour with the follow Bible verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

I’m not against people proposing each other for marriage legally. In fact I like seeing the boy or at times the girl, popping the relationship question at the restaurant or at the beach or just after the opera as long as its done safely. But I do not support people giving up on their prayer or worship time which only belongs to God, and then using such time to get into love relationships. Chances are they didn’t keep the Lord first at all and then in due course of time even their relationship perished. Then came sadness and heartache into their life etc.

[New edit to this post]: Radio DJ plays Wham’s Last Christmas 24 times in row after barricading himself in studio He only gave up when his own four-year-old daughter phoned in to say she didn’t like the song. I just now am doubly sure that this song’s really odd with this DJ’s foolish behavior. Read about this on the below link:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/radio-dj-plays-whams-last-christmas-24-times-in-row-after-barricading-himself-inside-studio-a6781226.html

My point is that we must not like a song for the sake of liking it. We must check the context in which the song was sung. A pleasant feeling music video may not always be sinful but it may not always be good either. One needs to meditate on the Holy Scriptures all day. It doesn’t mean you have to sit and close your eyes the entire day thinking about so and so Bible verse. There may be a time you can allot for this in the day or the week. However, you have to put Christ first and remember his words whether you are at work or at play or at a party or wherever. Any book, article, song, artwork etc which keeps you entertained while going against the morally sound values of the Bible, must totally be avoided by you. Maybe you once didn’t know all this but this time do check properly on what is mere entertainment on the outside but is foolishness on the inside.

Christ be with you, always!

70 Encouraging Verses That State “Do Not Be Afraid”: (Audio)

 

Note: Credit for the Youtube video goes to Rest Easy Ministries

Audio Bible Meditations: Scriptures Dealing With Worry, Fear, Stress, And Anxiety

 

When you are struggling with your faith when faced with worry, fear, stress, and anxiety go by the word of Christ at all times. Hold on to the words of the Bible. You can read various Scripture verses that encourage and guide you through the storms of life. Normally you can view them printed online or in a book but it’s equally good to hear them out. Even more better that you read and hear them out. This way you will retain the words of the Holy Scripture even more better.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

Note: Credit for the Youtube video goes to Rest Easy Ministries

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