Word to the Wise
“Selfless”

We live in a self-obsessed culture.

Matthew 7:7-12

The Golden Rule…
	Focuses on selfless initiative vs. passivity
	Shows us what “love for others” looks like in action
	An “impossible left to myself” rule
	A possible “in Christ” rule

God always emphasizes relationship before rules.

The Father’s love is the spring through which selfless acts can flow.

Signs of self-centeredness:
	Putting self at the center of your life instead of God
	A focus on your own happiness and fulfillment rather than others
	A desire to constantly control situations and people
	Caring more about your personal comfort than compassion for others
	
What is the solution to our self-centeredness?

A selfless life:
	Wants less of me and more of God (John 3:30)
	Values other people through the eyes of Christ (Philippians 2:3-5)
	Joyfully serves the needs of others instead of their own (Mark 10:43-45)
	Loves without expecting anything in return (Matthew 7:12)
	Dies to self in order to truly live (Matthew 16:24)

“Christ died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15