Selflessness vs Selfishness

Today’s Insight in the Word-
James 4 – When in prayer, what do you pray for?  Yesterday I was listening to our pastor talk about the power of prayer and how sometimes we might ask for things that glorify us instead of the Lord.  I feel this is true all too often.  Many times we are concerned with things about our own wellbeing, when in fact our prayer should be centered on glorifying God through our lives.  In return the Lord gives us the desires of our hearts anyways (Psalm 37:4).  In James 4 we see that we do not always receive from the Lord because our motives are at times tainted.

Vs 3 –  “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

This is saying that we are selfish rather then selfless.  Being selfish is being concerned with your own desires, while being selfless is giving up your desires.  All in all we must learn to concentrate on keeping the Lord’s things before our own.  We are last.  We do not pray that our will may be done, but rather God’s will be done.

Walking in the Word – I want to spend time reflecting on my prayer life and question whether my prayers are self-centered or Christ-centered.  I need to seek the Lord’s will first in my life.  I know in my heart that God will indeed take care of me, therefore I need not be concerned with what I need for me, but rather what I need to be a better disciple and Christian.  I need to seek wisdom and love for my bothers and sisters.  I need to be more responsive to the needs of others and view others through the eyes of Christ our Lord.

Prayer Response to the Word – Lord, I ask that You give me wisdom and love for Your people.  I ask that You help me understand Your will for me and how I can live a better life with You at the center.  Lord I don’t want to be self-centered, but rather focus on pleasing You.  Help me to establish my ways in You so that I please You Lord.  Help me to understand prayer and how to pray more effectively.  I love You Lord and I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen!