Are you your own standard?

WHEN others are set in their ways, they’re obstinate;
when you are, it is firmness.

WHEN somebody doesn’t like your friend, he is prejudiced;
when you don’t like his, you are a good judge of human nature.

WHEN others try to treat someone especially well, they’re slimy;
when you try it, you are being thoughtful.

WHEN somebody takes time to do something well, he’s a slow-poke or lazy;
when you do, you are deliberate and careful.

WHEN he spends a lot, he is wasteful;
when you do, you’re generous.

WHEN someone sees flaws in everything, he’s cranky and critical;
when you do, you are observant.

WHEN someone thinks he has a better way of doing something, he is arrogant;
when you do, you are creative.

WHEN someone always voices his opinion, he is interfering;
when you do, you are insightful.

WHEN someone overlooks injustice you call him weak;
when you do, it is graciousness.

WHEN someone dresses especially well, that person is extravagant;
when you do, it is being tasteful.

WHEN a stranger says what he thinks, he’s spiteful;
when you do, you are being honest.

WHEN a friend takes great risks in business, he’s foolish;
when you do, you are a wise planner.

adapted from Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations #5498

Such selfishness cannot be part of our lives as Christians.

• Selfishness is contrary to our new nature (2 Corinthians 5:15, 17)
• Our selfless nature should produce selfless deeds (1 John 3:17-18)
• Something might be OK, but selfishly OK is not the standard, building others up is (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
• Members of the same body work together for the body’s sake, not separately for self’s sake (Romans 12:4-5)
• Selfishness and love are mutually exclusive (1 Corinthians 13:5)
• Selfishness does not display Divine wisdom (James 3:13-16)
• Example of Paul putting Gospel before self (1 Corinthians 9:22-23; 1 Corinthians 10:33)
• Think of your life since conversion as an “obligation” to others, not as a “right” about self (Romans 15:1)
• Jesus was not selfish (Romans 15:3)

Are you ultimately your own standard, or are you putting to death all expressions of selfishness?