Sometimes I chase my wants, forgetting other tasks I should do.   Most of the time my selfish wish is not fulfilled.  I focus on this desire, unable to stop thinking about how much I “need” it.  I start believing that nothing goes my way and I am unlucky.  Feeling defeated, my emotions drive me to food.

Philippians 2:3 is, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  When I take the time to pray for someone else, my attention shifts away from my selfishness. I realize there are bigger problems in the world than my petty wants. Praying also encourages me to do selfless kind deeds for others.  As my focus changes, my mood brightens.

The opposite of selfishness is humility.  True humility comes from surrender to God.  I no longer care about selfish wants that once consumed me.  I care more about what God desires from me than my own desires.  Helping out others and doing work without getting credit becomes fufulling.  God has changed me by reducing my selfishness.