From
A Grandma’s Perspective
Me
I have decided that precious, sweet, cute, adorable Lauren
is basically selfish. It seems her
favorite word is “me” and if that isn’t enough emphasis for a given
situation, it is “me, me, me, ME!” Me
wants her share of cookies. Me
likes to play with the same toys as her big sister.
Me wiggles into “her” spot on Grandma’s lap even if it is full.
Me wants her book read first. Me
cherishes her share of attention. Me
is afraid she will be left behind. Me
pushes a chair up to the sink to be close beside Grandma while she works.
Me notices herself in pictures. Me
wants to help Grandpa feed Katie, the dog.
I, too, struggle with selfish motivations.
I take good care of my needs, wants, desires and rights.
Step on my turf, take what belongs to me, deny me my privileges, and see
how I react! Sometimes the picture
is not too pretty.
Scripture helps us to evaluate ourselves and teaches us how to
develop Christ-like character.
▪ Let
nothing to done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only
for his own interest, but also for the interest of others.
Philippians 2: 3-4
▪ LLove
does not seek its own way. I
Corinthians 13: 5
▪ TTherefore
I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the
calling with which you have been called, with humility and gentleness, with
patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4: 1-3
▪ FFor
I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think
of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has
dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans
12:3
▪ BBe
kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another. Romans
12:10
Since the beginning of time when Eve yielded to the lust of
the eye and ate of the fruit in direct disobedience to God, mankind has
struggled with the temptation to sin. The
lure of wisdom and longevity snagged Eve even though it sounded like a
reasonable and noteworthy aspiration. But
Eve was thinking only of her own wants, desires and rights, and in the process
doomed us all to the struggle with sin.
Paul understood this struggle.
He said, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he
fall.” Paul also experienced sweet
victory. “…God is faithful, who
will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the
temptation will also make a way of escape, that you will be able to bear it.”
I Corinthians 10:12-13
Jude offers hope in this passionate benediction:
“Now
to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who
alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.
Amen”
By Pat Hertzler
January 25, 2004