10 Simple Ways to Overcome Selfishness

 

Dear readers,

I met Ginger at the final class on the final day of Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. I immediately was drawn to her her spunky, fun personality and knew she had a book in her that connected women to God. As a military wife, she is involved in a wonderful ministry called Planting Roots and I’m sure her book will encourage many, in or out of the service.  She’s a very transparent person which comes through in her thoughtful writing.

Here’s a teaser about Holy in the Moment published through Abington Press: “Ginger Harrington invites women to discover how intentional choices made in the moment can become holy habits that open the door to healing and freedom. With a refreshing perspective, she shows that holiness isn’t a rigid standard to keep but a gift to receive through a vital relationship with God, who makes us whole.” I hope my readers will check out her book!

10 Simple Ways to Overcome Selfishness

We dislike selfishness in others but sometimes we fail to see it in ourselves.

I look around the kitchen and want to walk out of the room, leaving the mess for someone else to clean up.  I grumble to myself. “Thanks for leaving me a mess to clean.”

Irritation sparks a flare of temper.  Slamming pots, I practically throw the dishes into the washer and scrap something sticky off the counter. I don’t even want to know…

“How could they be so selfish, so thoughtless,” my inner tirade continues.

Yet, I’m just as capable of failing to consider others. Without realizing, I often arrange my life and my schedule to suit my goals and desires. At times, I can have tunnel vision, completely forgetting the concerns of others.

Selfishness is an uncomfortable topic. We want to think we are better than the pettiness of selfish actions and attitudes.

Do nothing from selfish motives or self-conceit.  Nothing?  Oh, this is hard! Self-focus is the default setting of our sin nature. We don’t have to try to be selfish…it comes all too naturally.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Loving encouragement, compassion, and Spirit-led affection are the result of looking out for one another. These are the holy habits I want to cultivate.

Caring about the interests of others and sharing their concerns also builds good relationships. Love grows when we let go of our own interests, caring for others whole-heartedly.

Simple ways to overcome selfishness. 

Practice holy habits to overcome selfishness with these simple ideas.

1. Ask God to help you notice selfishness thoughts and motivations.
2. Be willing to change when God reveals your self-focused attitudes and behaviors.
3. Beware of “what’s in it for me” thinking and choose to serve others.
4. Be a cheerleader. See the best in others, especially when they can’t.
5. Be thankful. Gratitude chases selfishness away.
6. Share the load and lend a helping hand. Don’t let busyness crowd out the needs of others.
7. Release your right to have your way.
8. Don’t compare or compete. Celebrate the victories of others rather than be envious.
9. Give without expecting anything thing in return.
10. Find freedom from selfishness by trusting God to meet your needs.

I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t have this down. I struggle with selfish tendencies, especially when my feelings are hurt or I feel overlooked by others. It is only by the power of Christ at work in my heart and renewing my mind that I can lay down my rights and freely give to others. So, I’m learning to ask God for help…every single day. This is the holy choice that changes my heart.

Which suggestion could make a difference in your day?

 

Ginger Harrington, is a retired Marine spouse and mom of three young adults and two dachshunds. Author of Holy in the Moment, she is an award-winning blogger and inspiring speaker. A founding member of Planting Roots: Strength to Thrive in Military Life, Ginger serves as coordinator of publishing. She writes inspirational encouragement at GingerHarrington.com and PlantingRoots.net, and has provided content for and Roma Downey and Mark Burnett’s LightWorkers.com, Guideposts, and (in)courage.

So much more than a religious version of perfectionism, holiness is a secret to enjoying life with freedom and joy. Overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and insecurity, as you trust God to make you holy and whole, living well in the choices you make today. If you choose holy in the moment, what difference could it make? Read a sample chapter here.