This week I'll consider character traits that no one wants to admit to having, but can be spotted a mile away in the lives of others. It won't be pretty.

By nature, it’s easier for most of us to see the flaws in the lives of others quicker than we see our own flaws. I think that’s why the Bible tells us to examine ourselves.

Matthews 7:3 asks, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”

My response to the question—maybe it’s because of a selfish nature—not wanting to see ourselves as undesirable, flawed, or blemished.

Selfishness is the opposite of love. Love is all about giving. Selfishness is all about reserving every good thing for me—even how I see myself.

I’m so glad God wasn’t selfish. He loved me (us) so much that He gave is Only Son so that I (we) could be in a better position.

Is it ok to be concerned about my own interests, comforts, and desires? I think it is. But selfishness is something different. Dig Deeper.

Selfishness is when concerns about “my interests, comforts, and desires” become excessive and exclusive putting others in a worse position—reserving every good thing for me.

Selfishness is not merely about having it my way, it's about the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others or to the disregard of God’s will. Such actions lead to disorder, contention, and dispute.

Philippians 2:3 reminds me of this, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.

Today's scripture is personal. It forces me to look at ME.

Dig Deeper

Challenging the way I think, today’s scripture bids me to set my mind towards creating an environment of inclusiveness, order, and harmony.

Filled with actionable intent, today’s scripture reminds, encourages, and demands that I change my actions by positioning the needs of others so that they are just as important as (or even more important) than my own.

So today, I examine myself.

My Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to consider the plank in my own eye. Help me to recognize my own shortcomings and the strength needed to remove them. Give me the wisdom to position others (most importantly, YOU) above my interests, comforts, and desires.