Selfishness Basic 6 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

DEFINITION OF SELFISHNESS

Selfishness is caring only about yourself and your own needs without thinking about others. It means wanting everything for yourself and not sharing with others.

Opposite of Selfishness:

• Unselfishness/Generosity
• Kindness
• Sharing
• Caring for others

WHY WE SHOULD NOT BE SELFISH

1. Selfishness Destroys Relationships

How It Destroys:

• Breaks Friendships 
  1. Friends feel used and abandoned
  2. Nobody wants to be around selfish people
  3. Trust is broken
• Damages Family Bonds 
  1. Causes fighting among siblings
  2. Parents become disappointed
  3. Creates division in the home
• Ruins Marriages 
  1. Partners feel unloved
  2. Leads to divorce
  3. Children suffer
• Destroys Communities 
  1. People stop helping each other
  2. Society becomes cold and uncaring
  3. Crime increases

2. God Hates Selfishness

• Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition”
• James 3:16 – “Where you have selfish ambition, there you find disorder”
• God calls us to love and serve others

3. Jesus Was Not Selfish

• He gave His life for us
• He always put others first
• He served rather than being served

4. Selfishness Leads to Loneliness

• No one wants to be your friend
• You end up alone
• Life becomes sad and empty

EXAMPLES OF SELFISH BEHAVIOR

1. Not sharing your food while others are hungry
2. Wanting all the toys to yourself
3. Not helping when someone needs you
4. Always wanting to be first in line
5. Taking credit for others’ work
6. Not listening to others’ problems
7. Only caring about your own success
8. Hoarding money when you can help
9. Refusing to forgive others
10. Always talking about yourself only

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF SELFISHNESS

1. The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21)

• A rich man had abundant harvest
• He built bigger barns for himself
• Thought only about his own future
• God called him a fool
• He died that same night
• Lost everything because he was selfish

2. Cain (Genesis 4)

• Jealous of his brother Abel
• Killed Abel because of selfishness
• Lost God’s favor and became a wanderer

3. Jonah (Jonah 4)

• Angry that God showed mercy to Nineveh
• Wanted judgment only for himself to be right
• God taught him about compassion

4. The Elder Brother (Luke 15:25-32)

• Angry his father welcomed prodigal son back
• Selfish about his father’s love
• Missed the celebration

REWARDS (CONSEQUENCES) FOR BEING SELFISH

SELFISH

Note: These are negative consequences, not rewards

1. Spiritual Consequences:

• Distance from God
• Unanswered prayers
• Loss of God’s blessings
• Spiritual emptiness

2. Social Consequences:

• No friends
• Bad reputation
• People avoid you
• Loneliness
• No one helps you when you need help

3. Emotional Consequences:

• Unhappiness
• Bitterness
• Guilt
• Anxiety about losing what you have
• Depression

4. Physical Consequences:

• Stress-related illnesses
• No one to care for you when sick
• Poverty (what you hoard may be stolen or wasted)

5. Eternal Consequences:

• Risk of not entering heaven
• Missing God’s purpose for your life

HOW TO OVERCOME SELFISHNESS

1. Pray – Ask God to change your heart
2. Think of Others – Consider others’ needs before yours
3. Practice Sharing – Start giving to others
4. Serve – Help others regularly
5. Be Grateful – Thank God for what you have
6. Read God’s Word – Learn about generosity
7. Follow Jesus’ Example – He was never selfish

Remember:

• Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive”
• Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you”