"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,"

                            -II Timothy 3:2 

Personally, selfishness is something that I struggle with more than just about anything else. It's something that, because of our sinful nature, we don't have to try to do; it just comes naturally to us.  

Despite the fact that this verse doesn't necessarily use the word selfish, I believe Paul really hits the nail on the head, so to speak, at defining what selfishness really is: being a lover of our own self. Instead of doing as God calls us to do and putting other people first, selfishness causes us to put them last, believing our needs and desires are more important than theirs.

"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's."

                            -Philippians 2:19-21 

We see here that, in the book of Philippians, Paul rebukes those who "seek their own." Seeking our own makes it nearly impossible for the Lord to use us in His service, for in order to lead other souls to Christ, we must be completely emptied of ourselves, willing to make any sacrifice necessary to win the lost. We must be selfless, not selfish.

What are your thoughts? Do you struggle with selfishness? And, if so, what are some ways that you have found helpful in combating it in your walk with the Lord?

"He must increase, but I must decrease."