A Struggle To All Men

A Struggle To All Men
by Jason Cruise

Selfishness is a struggle for most men I know. I sometimes wonder if, at times, I could win an induction into the Hall of Fame for selfish tendencies. 

There are those men who walk the planet who are selfish because they are just that arrogant; they truly do not care about anyone other than themselves, regardless of any situation. However, that sort of man is a rare breed.  

Like an apple, peel it back to the core, and you'll find that in most cases the fruit of selfishness is born from fear. 

Selfishness is actually fear in disguise. The fear is simple: you're afraid you won't get what you think is best for you in the end. So, in turn,  you try and manipulate situations. Regardless of how it ultimately effects other people, you act selfishly because you value the outcome more than you value the people nearest to you. 

It's insecurity at its finest. Believe me, I've lived with it for years. I know this beast well. 

Selfishness comes back home, as most things do, to the idea of the sovereignty of God. If I believe God will always take care of me, then I can be free to put others first, because I know He will give me what I need in the end. 

Take your time when you read this verse below. Read it through the lens of someone who has given himself over to the freedom sovereignty brings in the battle with selfishness bred from the fear of missing out: 

Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their
children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth
and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. 

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear ... 

Psalm 112:1-9

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