The word selflessness brings to mind the idea putting oneself less. While this is not incorrect, it is incomplete unless we focus on the object of such gesture: Others! How do we demonstrate selfless living in our everyday lives?
The life of one comes readily to mind, of a man so full of love and compassion for people despite being despised, hated and afflicted by them.One who knowing their eternal destiny was destruction and death ignored himself and took a decision, a decision that would change the course of human destiny, one that would become the basis of life.
He made the most selfless decision known to man; he paved the path to redemption for all humanity by giving up his own life. This man submitted himself to the most gruesome death ever known to mankind. He died in a most humiliating and shameful, yet painful manner. And while he died, he asked that his murderers be forgiven. The thought of this brings tears to my eyes as I wondered how anyone could be so selfless, so full of love and compassion for people who didn’t even care about him.
Before I became a Christian I was completely fascinated by this story, the story of the one who would willingly die for me, even though I’d never met him. I remember thinking it must be insane or unordinary for any man to love like this and go through what he did. This love so captivated me that even if the threat of eternity in hell wasn’t enough to scare me into accepting Jesus, this act sure made me embrace him.
In this one show of love, this man called Jesus had set an example. And he did this as a human being just like you and I.
“For as much then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, he himself likewise took part of the same….. Therefore, in all things he had to be made like his brethren….” Heb 4:14, 17.
Jesus exhibited this selfless nature as a human being, filled with divine ability; the same divine ability that has been given to us as Christians. Remember his words to us about having the capacity to do the works he’s done and even greater works? Thus we establish that we have in us, God’s ability to be completely selfless.
Another fact we need to understand is the desire behind Jesus’ act of selflessness, I mean why did he do it? What did he stand to gain? Amazingly everything he did was so we would benefit from the free gift of salvation.
He demonstrated to us that the right attitude to a selfless life is not to expect anything in return, never wondering what you have to gain. Jesus showed us what it means to express true acts of love, compassion and selflessness in our daily walk whether on the bus, train, homes, church or other public place.
And such opportunities abound. It could be as simple as standing up for that old man or pregnant lady on the crowded tube, offering to do chores or help with excess work, offering to help complete strangers even if it takes you out of your way or giving generously to the poor.Let not these selfless acts be based on colour, tribe or gender. Rather let it hinge on the principles of our Lord; that which is loving and unconditional.
This is the best way to live!
