Laying Aside Selfish Preferences: A Biblical Call to Love and Serve Others.

Are you tired of always insisting on your own way? Do you feel like your preferences are always the most important, even in relationships and decision-making? As humans, it's natural to want what we want, but as Christians, we are called to lay aside the weight of selfish preferences and instead love and serve others as Christ did. In this article, we will explore the biblical concept of laying aside selfish preferences and how it can transform our relationships and lives.

The Biblical Basis for Laying Aside Selfish Preferences

The Bible is full of teachings on putting others before ourselves and serving one another. One of the most well-known passages comes from Philippians 2:3-4, which reads, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." This verse sets the tone for what it means to live a selfless life and prioritize the needs of others.

Jesus himself was the ultimate example of laying aside selfish preferences. In Matthew 20:28, he says, "Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus showed us what it means to put others first and to serve sacrificially, even to the point of death. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate him and lay aside our own desires for the sake of others.

Another passage that speaks to this concept is 1 Corinthians 10:24, which says, "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." This verse is a reminder that our actions should always be motivated by love for others, rather than our own selfish desires. When we prioritize the needs of others, we are living out the love that Christ calls us to show.

The Dangers of Selfish Preferences

When we prioritize our own preferences above all else, we run the risk of damaging our relationships and missing out on opportunities to serve and bless others. Selfishness can lead to conflicts and disagreements, as we push for what we want and disregard the needs and desires of those around us. It can also lead to a sense of isolation, as we become so focused on ourselves that we fail to see the needs of others.

Selfishness can also take a toll on our spiritual lives. When we are consumed with our own desires, we may neglect our relationship with God and fail to seek his will for our lives. We may also struggle with pride and a sense of entitlement, believing that we deserve to have our way and that others should cater to our needs.

The Benefits of Laying Aside Selfish Preferences

On the other hand, when we choose to lay aside our selfish preferences and prioritize the needs of others, we can experience a host of benefits. Our relationships can grow stronger as we learn to communicate effectively and work together towards common goals. We can also experience a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment as we serve others and make a positive impact in their lives.

Laying aside selfish preferences can also deepen our relationship with God. When we seek to follow his will and put others first, we are living out the love that he has shown us through Christ. We can experience a greater sense of peace and joy as we trust in his plan for our lives and seek to serve him through serving others.

Practical Ways to Lay Aside Selfish Preferences

So how can we put this into practice in our everyday lives? Here are a few practical ways to lay aside selfish preferences and prioritize the needs of others:

1. Listen actively. When we truly listen to others, we can better understand their needs and desires. This can help us to make decisions that take their perspectives into account, rather than simply pushing for what we want.

2. Be willing to compromise. Sometimes, we may need to give up our own preferences in order to reach a solution that benefits everyone involved. This requires a willingness to be flexible and open to new ideas.

3. Serve sacrificially. When we serve others without expecting anything in return, we are living out the kind of selfless love that Christ showed us. This may mean going out of our way to help someone in need, or simply taking the time to listen and offer support.

4. Pray for guidance. Ultimately, we cannot lay aside selfish preferences on our own strength. We need the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit to help us live a selfless life. Take time to pray and seek God's will for your relationships and decisions.

Conclusion

Laying aside selfish preferences is not always easy, but it is essential for living a life that honors God and serves others. As we seek to imitate Christ and love sacrificially, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from putting others first. Let us strive to live out the words of Philippians 2:3-4, counting others as more significant than ourselves and looking to their interests as well as our own.