Selfishness and Sufferings

There is no exception to our selfish ambition while in sufferings. Selfishness needs to be tamed, and that’s the hard part.

Selfishness resulted in suffering. And it is true the other way round. They go hand in hand yet they should not be together as selfishness would cause greater sufferings.

Here we will talk about selfish ambitions only in the context of a suffering person. Let us put aside those selfish ambitions for riches and personal gains for the time being.

Well, infighting has been going, on and on, in a suffering mind. It is caused by the outward physical pain and the daily happenings. In the end, selfishness becomes an integral part of a sufferer.

Entertainment, once they are, in the form of plays, music, and the likes, could become a hindrance in living a normal life. I have been in this situation for a while now. I won’t talk deep about it here but there are occurrences I have to endure in my epileptic disorder. And sometimes it’s difficult to blend in with the normal surroundings.

Pain was caused in many forms. Not all forms can be avoided. But there are times when I thought some the causes could be avoided. That is when my selfishness came up. Selfishness, in turn gave way to more pain in the mind. And that’s my problem too.

In living a life, there are obligations that cannot be ignored. I feel bad when I cannot conform to the demands of people around me. I felt that I was selfish because I have to limit my activities.

In that way, the interests of people around me were neglected. At times, I found myself to be egocentric and self-centered in approach because of my weak physical condition.

May be, that is why the Bible gave no exception to any circumstances when selfishness could be utilized in normal living. Selfishness destroys unity and steadfastness to God.

There’s none who enjoy life for a longer period in solitary. Just for a short time, it might be enjoyable. I am not sure about that. We must learn to adjust in the interest of other. Submerging in our self-interest is being selfish.

Disturbances in life could be a blessing. If there’s nothing to bother life would be dull. Eventually, loneliness would ruin and kill our life.

Selfishness as a Stronghold:

A stronghold is a fortress where one can take refuge and safely dwelled with minimum threat. Here in this case, it is that fort inside our human heart where the evil could safely thrive in.

Selfishness could be a stronghold for the evil to dwell if it is not destroyed from time to time. If left unattended the fortress might be difficult to get uprooted. And that is what I wanted to do every day.

It has parasitic character which would eventually eat up its host; here our life or character. It has to be crushed, one day at a time, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

No one can simply spin ourselves in a cocoon while we are on the march. We are to work together as a team in a family, society, and in the church. Yet we are tempted, in many forms, to be a little selfish, manage ourselves, and stay away from people.

Beyond Selfishness:

Now, let’s see, in the Bible, what Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:2-3) There’s no exception given here.

People suffer, even the righteous suffer yet it could become the source of their renewed strength from the Lord. When the Lord blessed our sufferings it can bring joy in our life.

There is a time for all – time to suffer, time to rest. It is my hope that this phase would be used by God in strengthening my faith.

We all suffer but in different ways. There is no great and small sufferings, the pain inflicted might cause same destruction. But in the blood of Christ we can be made whole again.

Rejoice in every situation, says the Bible. In reality, it is really difficult but there must be a way out, I hope. Let us present our request to God, in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:4-7)

In that way, the peace of God will transcend understanding while in suffering. Further, God would safeguard our heart and mind, in Christ Jesus, throughout our journey.

There are still many people, saints and servant-hearted, who could help others despite their sufferings. I want to be like them!

Dear reader, if you too are still in your suffering phase I empathize with you. It is my prayer God would guide us through this phase without causing further self-inflicting pain in the process.

May the face of God shine brighter, amidst our sufferings, in our daily life!