Confession time!
I’m not as generous as I should or could be!
Here’s another thing: I like to receive more than I like to give.
Why? Well, because it’s inherent and I’m selfish.
I know what you’re thinking -
“Wait a minute – but you write about generosity and giving and doing good things with your money”
That’s true. And I believe strongly in everything I write.
But, there’s a disconnect. Part of me loves to hold on to my stuff, hoard it and use it for me.
It’s like I’m addicted to my own selfish desires.
I don’t want to be selfish, but I find myself slipping into selfish mode so easily. 
How? Well, it shows in various ways including marriage, other relationships, my money, my time etc. And if we were all brutally honest – we’d probably come to the same conclusion.
I always tell people that I never realized how selfish I was until I got married and had to start putting my wife’s needs above my own. After that I never realized how much selfishness there still was in my heart until I had kids and I had to put their needs above my own.
In terms of money, I like to hold on to my money for comfort and security. I like to put my trust in my savings accounts rather than God himself. I like to view the money I have as mine rather than God’s. I don’t like to think of myself as a steward, I like to think of myself as owner.
But here’s the thing – I want to be totally unselfish, completely generous and not care an ounce about my status or my wealth, but it’s hard not to – especially in this culture.
But – as one of my favorite songs says:
To give unselfishly, to love the least of these
Jesus I’m learning how to live with open hands
All of these treasures that I hold will never satisfy my soul
Jesus I lay it at your throne with open hands
How to overcome your self
So how do we overcome our selfish desires for money, fame, status, power or even the praise of men?
Well the first thing we need to realize is the fact that we are selfish and come to terms with that fact.
The second thing we need to realize is that it’s a process and there is a big learning curve. It takes time.
The third thing is to recognize how GREAT our heavenly treasure and that our earthly treasures pale in comparison.
The treasure of Christ far outweighs our earthly goods. But so often we have blinders on. Ask God to help you see the greatness of Christ displayed in the gospel.
I’m learning, baby-step by baby-step – but the process is a good one.
Agree or disagree?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this is a struggle for you or if you think I’m off my rocker!
5 Bible Verses About Finances That Will Change Your Life
5 Ways to Get Fit on a Budget
The 1 Step Plan to Buy Gold and Become Rich According to the Bible
IRA Withdrawal Rules – When Can You Withdraw Your IRA?
Well Paying Careers: 30 Jobs That Pay $30 Per Hour
10 Money-Saving Tips to Help You Stash $10,000!
Should You Give Money to a Homeless Person?
7 Most Important Habits That Rich People Use to Build Wealth
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the brutal honesty here. We are all inherently selfish. I guess we get it from God, but since we’re not perfect it doesn’t work too well.
I think becoming “unselfish” is a great idea because it releases us from the burden of providing for all our selfish desires. Once we give up this need of having the goods we want, we can focus on a more useful “selfishness” which is taking care of the things we care about like family, friends, and people in need.
In the end, focusing on others provides the happiness and joy that we seek in our selfish wants. Sometimes we’re just too nearsighted to see life clearly.
” I like to put my trust in my savings accounts rather than God himself.”–I’m not certain this is really about selfishness, at least not at the core. I think we prefer to have control over the things that we think make us secure; we have no such control over God and that scares us.
We think, “What if God decides not to spare us from a period of deprivation? At least I’ll have my savings.” We have a sense of control over our money. I think this is a major reason why people reject the idea of a sovereign God–we don’t like what we can’t control.
We’re ALL hypocrites! As long as we’re in the world we’ll think this way to one degree or another, not the least of which because that’s what the world tells us to do. But we should aspire to do better, and that’s what you’re teaching from your blog.
.-= Kevin@OutOfYourRut´s last blog ..Social Media – How Do You Find Friends and Followers? =-.
I’m the same way, I would rather receive a gift given a choice. I don’t look at things from a religious or moral standpoint, but who doesn’t like receiving gifts? It’s fun!