Just a Thought: When we think only of ourselves, it ultimately ends up hurting us. The record of Abram and his nephew Lot are a good example of this. Abram was told to leave home and move with God to a place the Lord would show him. When they came to that place the Lord promised Abram wherever he set the souls of his feet would be his. God prospered and blessed Abram as they walked together. And God blessed and prospered Lot who was with Abram, because of Abram. But a day came about when the uncle and nephew had enough tension between them and their employees that the only solution Abram saw as viable was for them to separate before their family relationship was totally destroyed. There are many hints of Lot’s ungratefulness and selfishness leading up to this point. But what happens when Abram offers Lot his choice of where he wants to go and settle on the land promised Abram is very telling of what was happening with Lot. “Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.). So, Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east.” (Gen 13:10-11) Lot didn’t just look for the fair and best solution for the sake of saving the family break-up. He looked for the best for himself. There is not a single indication Lot gave any thought or consideration to his uncle in his choice. In fact, let the record reveal, Lot looked and chose for himself! Interestingly enough. Because of his selfishness, this ended up being perhaps the worse choice of his life. In the end, all that looked so good turned out to be really bad for Lot and his family. And this choice led to other bad choices which led Lot and his family down a road of total destruction and loss. When we think only of ourselves, it ultimately ends up hurting us. This is what happened to Lot and this is what happens to us. Selfishness only seems like a good idea at the time. But, in time it will usually come back to haunt us. Have you been thinking only of yourself lately? Maybe it is time to turn that around. Consider how your choices and actions may be hurting or affecting others. We are never like the Lord when we think only of ourselves. He is loving, gracious and giving. If you have been displaying an attitude, actions or making choices based on selfishness, now would be a good time to talk that over with the Lord. Seek forgiveness from God, a friend or family member and stop that inward thinking and acting. Being selfish is no way to live or act. It will ultimately leave you all alone and it is a bad choice no matter how good it looks right now.
