SEP 7

Philippians 2:1-4
Memorise 1 Corinthians 10:24
"Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth"

As youths in this generation, we are often described as selfish, lazy, spoilt and impatient. We waltz through this world wanting only to satisfy self, with not a care for others, but instead expect everyone to serve us. We are told that the world is our oyster, and thus we expect the world to owe us a good living. We have never really struggled hard to attain anything that we have, for we have been well cared for by our parents since young. As a result, we never want to work hard for anything in life, but instead are quick to complain the moment the going gets a bit tough.

Dear Teen, is that a description of how you are? Has your comfortable life caused you to become selfish, and apathetic to the needs of others around you? You see, a selfish attitude is what would lead a person to steal. He simply wants the easy way out in life, and would have no qualms about taking that which is not his for selfish and dishonest gains. He does not care that by stealing he is depriving another man of his honest labour. He does not care about the great inconvenience and grief that he causes when he robs another of his treasured possessions. He cares only for himself.

As Christians, we can never allow ourselves to have such an attitude. You may argue and say that such an idea of self-preservation is our innate human nature. But as we are born again, we have been cleansed of our old man, we have been renewed in Christ. We now know a better way, a way of love, where we “look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4). There should be no inkling of selfishness or self-centredness in the heart of any believer. Instead, there must be a heart of compassion and love that looks to the affairs and needs of others, and tries his best to help in whatever way he can. Dear teen, when is the last time you thought about the needs of others and not yourself? When is the last time you actively sought out ways in which you could help those around you that needed help? Just as Christ has so freely given you so much in life, may you be ready and willing to share with all those around you.

Thought: I should stop selfishly thinking about myself only and start thinking about the needs of others.
Prayer: Lord, may You forgive me for any selfishness that I have.