Have you ever listened as a friend or family member shared their struggles but secretly wished they would quickly finish so you can share the horrors of your day? Or perhaps they shared exciting news about an engagement or new gadget they received but it in the back of your mind you were wondering when was it going to be your turn.
It’s amazing how selfish we are at times. There are times I can hear Joyce Meyer’s quote of what about me, what about me reverberating in my thoughts.
Reading Mark 10:32-37, I was reminded just how one tracked-minded we can be. Here Jesus was explaining to his disciples what was in store for him in the days ahead-betrayal, mockery, imprisonment, DEATH and resurrection.
But what was on the mind of James and John, the sons of Zebedee?
“When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
Mark 10:37b (NLT)
Two things—PROMOTION and POSITION. No questions about Jesus’ upcoming trials or no gasping in amazement or horror. Instead they wanted to secure a place of prestige for themselves when Jesus made his way to the throne.
Now it is easy to cast a look of disgust at these two fame-hungry disciples. But how often do we hear of the tragedies, sufferings, and injustices of others, only to turn a deaf ear and blinded eye all the while we seek more for ourselves?
It is so hard to get rid of “self” and listen with a clean and open heart. That’s why Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit to help us along the way…to help us realize that we are here to help others. We are vessels that can be used to gather others into His glorious Kingdom. I love this post, as it reminds us to be removed from the “self”….an on-going struggle that’s worth the fight! Blessings, Wanda!
It is a continuous struggle Cynthia. Just the other day I was talking with someone about being a vessel.
Oh, Wanda, you have hit on it today. We often fail to realize that our seeing is tied to our hearing. Much of the problems the disciples had relating to Jesus was because they were near Him almost 24/7, but did not really listen. That is why when He rose again they were they hardest to convince that He was actually alive. I’ve always found that hard to take in. He told them so many times, but I’m not sure they really listened. Impatience and selfishness can make us deaf, and I find myself trying hard to avoid my “what about me?” mode. If we don’t take the time to listen to others, we are not really seeing them, and we won’t see or effectively respond. Lord, help us to hear You and to hear others, so that we will respond timely and effectively.
Reading through the Word I am often amazed at the disciples response as well. It shows we can be in the presence of God yet not be a partaker of His presence. I believe sometimes we would rather remain ignorant to plight of others so we do not have to answer the call to action.
I know I have done this…but I also find that it is done to us a lot. People might ask us a question about life on the field but it seems as if they only asked so they could tell their story. Thanks for the reminder to be more mindful of others.
Alida, I have seen those kind of people too who only use the how are things as a segue way to tell their story. It is amazing how they can use any little opening to point the conversation back to them.
Oh, Wanda – you GOT ME. What a powerful reminder to focus on OTHERS. Thank you.
lol, Joanne. I think its one we all have been guilty of but doesn’t mean we can’t strive harder.
Hi Wanda – I’ve been thinking about that alot lately. Whenever I’m in conversation with someone I have started to think about how much I talk about ME and MY problems. Way toooooo much! Great encouragement to not be so self-centred
God bless
Tracy
Oh I just love it when something has been weighing on my mind and then I come along and read something that relates to it.
We are all guilty of being selfish as to let others know of our miseries. but do people REALLY want to know the misforunes of others,……..that;s where prayer comes in. There is alawys someone there to listen.
Good post Wanda.
Yvonne.
We all are inherently concerned about self and honestly many times we would rather not hear about others misfortunes. Because once we hear it leaves with a decision on whether we will take action.
Wanda, I’ve been on both sides of this scenario. Thanks for the timely reminder to take time to really listen to others even if it means I don’t get to tell my story.
Oh I have too Bernadine. Although I like to think I am good listener I found there are times I have jumped way ahead to next thing I need to get done.
Very good post Wanda; your words certainly got my attention! Distractions, selfishness and focus on self can often lure us away from listening with an open and compassionate heart.
Thankful for reading these good words today!
Denise
So true Denise. I think much of the time we are thinking about what’s next on our to do that fail to be fully present in the moment.
We are so selfish….I like Joyce Meyers, she gets the point across to me
I like her plain, no nonsense approach to teaching God’s Word too
Hi Wanda
Just popping through to see how you’ve been and I did enjoy your post.It’s amazing how Jesus just loves us through all of our mess,while changing us into what he saved us to be.The song “Awesome” by Pastor Charles Jenkins is sticking with me,it’s new and it’s good,do check it out.
Love ya 🙂
Hi Ms Pat! Good to see you stop in. I haven’t heard of that song but I will have to look up.
This post is what I’ve been thinking about a friend that I had not spoken to in years. Since the last time I saw this friend I have changed my life and I am living for God. I am no longer the person I was and I no longer am a person that always say “What about me”. I’ve learned to stop being selfish and I explained this to my friend but it has only been a month of conversation and every time we speak he is always asking, “What about me?”. I has gotten to the point where I do not want to have conversation with him anymore. I notice that he never asks me what do I think or how do I feel about him constantly asking me to take him somewhere or buy him something. I am a single mother and I do not spend my life wasting time or money especially if it does not advance the kingdom of God. I am too the point where I’m just going to tell him that we do not have anything in common and I do not like the constant nagging of him wanting me to take him somewhere. I actually enjoy coming home and relaxing while I study the bible and I do not feel the need to go out. I told him I enjoy coming home and not doing anything and he said that my life was depressing. I am happy with my life and every topic ends up with him saying he’s bored and will I take him somewhere. I tell him NO and after that he doesn’t contact me for days. I never realized how selfish others are but this situation has really opened my eyes and I am really disappointed in my friend because he says that he is a Christian and I had to tell him that he was acting like an immature Christian and he said I was judging him. My statement was not to judge but to bring awareness to how he was acting.
Sorry for the long comment but I really thank God that I found your page and this post.
Kay, feel free to express yourself at length here whenever you like. Happy to have you come across my page as well. I think we humans tend to have a selfish nature (and some of us more than others) but it isn’t until those areas of our lives have illuminated that we can really see that in ourselves. I have found that we something or someone really begins to ride my nerves, it’s best for me to step away for awhile, if possible, and get a new perspective.