Philippians 2:5-7a – Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant. (NASB)

"Buy something for yourself!"
"Depressed? Treat yourself!"
"For every 2-3 presents I buy for others, I buy one for myself."
"Get a makeover!"
"Get what you want this year. Mail your size and colour to us and we will notify the people who should be buying you a gift!"
"Give your holiday chores to your family and friends!"
"Let your neighbour have that Christmas block party!"

These are all "innocent" comments, read in magazines, heard on television, and scanned on the World Wide Web. Apparently, this is the new way to spell Christmas: S.E.L.F.I.S.H.

To which I say, "Bah, humbug!" What ever happened to the Biblical view of giving?

Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honour. (NASB)

Philippians 2:3 – Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself. (NASB)

2 Corinthians 9:7 – Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. (NASB)

We may have missed it this past Christmas season, but the new year stretches before us. Let's choose to live out Christ's unselfish attitude. The alternative is not comforting.

James 3:16 – For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. (NASB)

Prayer: Dearest Father, please show us our personal areas of greed and selfishness. This new year, help us give You (through ourselves) to others. With grateful thanks, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Brenda Wood <brenda.w@nextcom.ca>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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