Why? - Part 3

'Why' question sent in...

"Why do people often act selfishly? We often comment on unselfish acts.

If that's what we like, why do we not practice it?"

This question and comments got me thinking...
How do you answer this without it being far too long?
And how do you answer this so that it is helpful?

First off we need to actually be real honest, raw honest even about ourselves!
All of us want to look good but know deep down there are parts of us that are not so good.
In your mind and heart you know when what is flowing through it, is not the best.
We all face the battles to do good and not bad.
That is why it is easy to see selfishness in others...because it is a battle we face ourselves!
People recognise in others what they know about themselves as well.

Most people acknowledge that there is a thing called 'human nature'.
Seems to be a phrase that sums up for many the collective emotional and responsive issues as people we can have. It doesn't justify any particular trait, even though some try to use it as an excuse for their behaviour.

If you read through Romans chapter 7 you see the writer talking about his wrestling match in life. There are things he wants to do and knows he should, but at the same time finds himself not wanting to do them or getting it wrong. He tells his story because he ultimately knows it is all our story.
We can relate because we are all the same...
He actually finishes his little monologue encouraging us to turn to Jesus for some help with this. As a Christian this might seem painfully obvious, but is also something many forget.
In their wrestling with these issues, excuses are sometimes tossed around instead.
But Jesus and the living for His glory are the first steps to mastering this stuff.

This same writer wrote some advice to someone who he was trying to help.
He finishes one sentence of a letter with the phrase "train yourself for godliness".
He wasn't meaning to try and be God himself.
He was meaning that in order to master our nature, we need to be intentional.
We need to go after God, let him work in us. And make sure we learn and develop ourselves intentionally, not haphazardly.

I hope that helps you a little?

Something to think about...