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True Christianity is selfless. The term selfless means “having no concern for self; unselfish.” The Scriptures teach that selfishness will prevent one from being a follower of Christ. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Practicing self-denial is not easy. The general, human tendency is to be more concerned about pleasing ourselves, rather than pleasing the Lord and others. However, Paul exhorts: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification” (Romans 15:1- 2).
Christianity is built upon the sacrifice of selfless Savior who was more concerned about others than himself. Was it not his selflessness that inspired him to come to this world of sin and suffering and to die on the cross? One old, religious hymn suggests: “He could have called ten- thousand angels to destroy the world and set him free. He could have called ten-thousand angels, but he died alone for you and me.” The Bible teaches that Jesus “humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). No greater example of selflessness could be given than the one Jesus gave when he allowed sinful men to nail him to the cross. Selfishness and Christianity simply do not belong together.
Selfishness goes against fundamental principles of Christianity and shows a lack of spiritual maturity. Children have to be taught to share their toys, and to control themselves when they do not get their way. In other words, children must be taught to develop selflessness. The same is true for children of God, Christians. Those who desire to follow Christ must work to overcome a self-centered attitude and learn to be more concerned about pleasing the Lord and serving others, rather than pleasing self.
We can demonstrate selflessness by giving to God the time it takes to worship and serve Him, instead of claiming we are just “too busy.” Husbands and wives need to be selfless in their marital relationships, always considering the needs and feelings of their mates, instead of thinking only of self. So many problems which arise in the church would be solved if all members would resolve to do what is best for the church instead of what is best for self. Indeed, true Christianity is selfless.
Mark Lindley
Chapman church of Christ
Ripley, MS