HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 303
page A301
world’s eyes may be significance in God’s eyes. God takes joy in choosing people the
world considers “insignificant” to accomplish marvelous things for his Kingdom.
How do I develop a healthy self-esteem?
• R O MA NS 1 2 :3 | Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the
faith God has given us.
Healthy self-esteem is an honest appraisal of ourselves—not too proud because of the
gifts and abilities God has given us, yet not so self-effacing that we fail to use our gifts and
abilities to their potential.
• 1 PE T E R 4 :1 0 | God has given each of you a gift. . . . Use them well to serve one another.
Giving actually increases our value, our self-worth, because it allows God to work more
effectively through us.
PROMISES FROM GOD
• PSA L M 8 :4 -5 | What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings
that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and
crowned them with glory and honor.
Selfishness
It is the divisive force threatening every relationship, the weakness allowing healthy
pursuits to become destructive obsessions, and the dark force behind all sin. It is not
anger, pride, hatred, or malice—although it can be found in all four. It is simple, everyday,
garden-variety selfishness. From Adam and Eve, who ate of the forbidden tree because
they desired knowledge reserved only for God, to Judas, who betrayed his Lord for
thirty pieces of silver, the Bible warns of the seductive power of selfishness. Fortunately
Scripture also leads us to Jesus Christ—the One whose redemptive work can transform
selfishness to selflessness.
Why is selfishness so destructive?
• G E NE SI S 1 3 :1 0 -1 1 | Lot took a long look at the fertile plains. . . . Lot chose for himself the
whole Jordan Valley.
• G E NE SI S 2 7 :4 2 -4 4 | “Flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran. Stay there with him until your
brother cools off.” (See note on page 26.)
Selfishness can destroy relationships—even families.
• A C T S 8 :1 8 | When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands
on people, he offered them money to buy this power.
Selfish ambition can cause us to abuse even the power of the Holy Spirit.
How can I confront the selfishness in my own life?
• 1 J O H N 3 :1 7 | If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in
need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? (See note on page 1140.)
The best cure for the selfish heart is giving.
• PH I L I PP I A NS 2 :4 | Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in
others, too.
Unselfishness is learning to put others first.
• MAT T H E W 4 :8 -9 | Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed
him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you
will kneel down and worship me.” (See note on page 863.)
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Self-Righteousness See Pride
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• Z E C H A R I A H 4 :1 0 | “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the
work begin.”