“A man is called selfish, not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor’s.” Richard Whately
An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1
Capricious: “not logical or reasonable” Merriam-Webster Dictionary
This world doesn’t have time for selfish people. That’s a bold statement that you may find to be capricious. However, I think if we explore its limits you may agree that it’s true. Ok, I agree there are selfish people prospering, but are they happy? And when you think of a prospering selfish person who do you think of? Is it the guy in the Porsche, is it Bill Gates? If someone has more than we can afford does that mean they’re selfish? Does wealth indicate self centeredness? Probably in a lot of cases. But is your average rich guy or gal any more selfish than me, your average middle class guy? I’m gonna go out on a limb and say, probably not. And here’s the reason why, in the form of your answer to this question. How many wealthy people can you think of that don’t contribute to their society? I know you may be thinking of drug pushers, professional thieves, or others who deal in nefarious trades. But remember, wealth comes in more forms than just money. Wealth also comes in family, in happiness, in humility, in fulfillment, in joy... In fact, I don’t consider a person with a ton of cash and the desire to end it all in depression to be wealthy. I don’t consider the corporate CEO who can’t seem to find joy to be wealthy. True wealth comes with satisfaction. It comes with humility. It comes with service. To be wealthy, you have to contribute. Want to have an abundance of joy? Spread joy. Want to have a ton of money? Spread money. Want to be fulfilled? Fill. No, this world doesn’t have time for selfish people. Every dictator has their day of reckoning. Every thief has their day in court. And everyone who abuses receives their due. Have something nice? Use it as an opportunity to serve. Have a big smile? Use it to make others smile. Have the joy that comes through the love of Jesus? By all means share it. Frugality is a trait many of us have been raised with. It can be a quality. However, it can also be a detriment. We may save, save, save; but what’s the point if we can’t give, give, give. To give should be our purpose. So the next time you see a guy with something we can’t have. Or a girl enjoying riches we could only dream of. Think of what they may have done, how they may have served, or what they may have provided. What have we given? What have we provided? What have we shared? Don’t feel we have much to share? Than share Jesus. Don’t have Jesus? Ask Him into your heart. He’s the source of all riches. The greatest example of service. And the Creator of this world. In the end He calls the shots. Let’s not be selfish, let’s serve.
Daily Journaling Questions:
1. How did I help someone in kindness today?
2. What did I learn today?
3. What am I thankful for?
4. Who did I love today?
5. What am I dreaming of?
6. What about today do I want to remember forever?
7. What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thanks for reading,
Jake
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Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. IV
Non-FictionThis is the fourth part of a project called the "Daily Self Growth Journal." Its purpose is to prompt readers to journal through encouragement, motivation, and inspiration. In it, the first thing I do is provide a motivational, or inspirational qu...
