(Married Life Series Pt. 2)
“For the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” - Galatians 5:14
The characteristic of being selfless is one of the most important traits any Christian can possess. It’s so significant that Jesus said it is the second most important of all God’s commandments next to loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
This type of selfless expression is far more than just verbal platitudes; such as a little “I love you” spoken to your spouse before bed. Rather it is s demonstration of honor:
“Be kindly and affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”-Romans 12: 10
Truly selfless actions are deliberate. They are executed to demonstrate and give preference to another person. The goal is to esteem others greater than ourselves:
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”-Philippians 2: 3-4
Jesus had much to say about selflessness during His earthly ministry. In the Sermon on the Mount, He goes beyond what some may think of as being selflessness. It would be great if selflessness were as simple as helping a friend, going the extra mile at work or caring for an ill child. However, Jesus extends selflessness far beyond normal expectations to loving our enemies and praying for our persecutors. Jesus taught that it’s easy to love a friend or a spouse, even unbelievers do that; but a Christian is expected to love the unlovable, because this is how we become more like Jesus!
As with everything Jesus taught, he also modeled selflessness:
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”-Philippians 2:5-7
As followers of Christ, Paul challenges us to have this same mindset. Jesus came not for His own benefit, but for ours. He came to minister to us and die for us. Humanly speaking, Jesus gave up His will for God’s will and that is the very heart of the matter.
Selflessness runs counter to human nature, which is why being selfless is so much more difficult than being selfish. It’s natural to care about ourselves, and we are encouraged to think selfishly from all sides. However, the Christian husband or wife must daily heed the words of the Apostle Paul:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”-Galatians 2:20.
No believer, young or old, married or single, can live a selfless life without a constant abiding in the Lord Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that our attitudes can be changed and molded toward unselfish behavior.
Some of you today need to break through the selfishness barrier you have created in your marriage. You need to repent and then commit yourself to serving the Lord, by serving your spouse.
Pastor Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church
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