Self centeredness is a virtue in some circles. It is the formula for success, for climbing the ladder, and for living one’s best life. Let us consider what the Word says about this lifestyle:

And as for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says to his people: I will judge between one animal of the flock and another, separating the sheep from the goats. Isn’t it enough for you to keep the best of the pastures for yourselves? Must you also trample down the rest? Isn’t it enough for you to drink clear water for yourselves? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Why must my flock eat what you have trampled down and drink water you have fouled?

Ezekiel 34:17-19

“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.

Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”

“I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”

Genesis 4:6-9

Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die;

    save them as they stagger to their death.

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”

    For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.

He who guards your soul knows you knew.

    He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

Proverbs 24:11-12

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,

    but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

Proverbs 28:27

People curse those who hoard their grain,

    but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

Proverbs 11:26

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

James 2:12-17

Reflection

• What is wrong with looking out for number one?

• What is right with looking out for number one?