"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outburst of Anger, SELFISH AMBITION, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties and other SINS like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:20-21
In today’s devotion, I would like to share with you the life of two half-sisters. These sisters are Waki and Mame with the former being the younger. They lived together under the parentage of Waki’s mother and the father they have in common. Although Waki was the favourite among the two, which is usually the case with mothers loving their daughters more than step-daughters, Waki did not only capitalize on this advantage but conducted in a manner that made Mame’s stay with them unbearable. That notwithstanding, the impudence of Waki to disrespect her elder sister - Mame was extended in like manner to all the people around them not excluding their parents. However, Mame was calm and acted in all manners to pardon her sister of her attitude towards her.
As time passed by, Mame grew impatient of Waki’s behavior. As human as she was, she began to consider the thoughts of retaliating or refusing to offer any help to Waki which the latter needs because she (Waki) often lands herself in trouble because of her unacceptable behaviour. As Mame brooded over these thoughts, and as if by inspiration from God, her minded drifted to the thoughts of the many times she had wronged God and how God continues to show His love and mercy towards her. The SELFLESS death of Jesus on the cross came afresh on her mind as if it had happened just yesterday. She then realized how unfair it will be if gives up on her sister. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)” were the words that slipped out of her lips. She reconciled to sincerely love her sister no matter the pain she may cause her.
After this reconciliation of mind, the life of Mame saw a tremendous change with daily blessings beyond her comprehension. Doors of opportunities kept on opening for her as she continued to show unconditional love for her sister along with steadfast prayers for a change in her sister’s life too.
Dear reader, examining our lives in some few minutes may reveal to us that we may be either of these two personalities in our families, workplaces and relationships. If we have the selfless attitude of Mame, may God bless our efforts. If on the contrary we disrespect and show no interest in the affairs of others, it’s not too late to repent. Our Lord Jesus is ready to forgive and accept us back when we offer a prayer of forgiveness with a repentant heart.
“Selfish ambition is a result of sinful nature” says the WORD of GOD. Let’s pursue SELFLESSNESS.