Living In The Light

September 2, The Sin Of Selfishness

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
—Romans 15:2 LL 260.1

All sin is selfishness. Satan’s first sin was a manifestation of selfishness. He sought to grasp power, to exalt self. A species of insanity led him to seek to supersede God. And the temptation that led Adam to sin was Satan’s declaration that it was possible for human beings to attain to something more than he already enjoyed, possible for him to be as God Himself. The sowing of seeds of selfishness in the human heart was the first result of the entrance of sin into the world. LL 260.2

God desires everyone to understand the evil of selfishness, and to cooperate with Him in guarding the human family against its terrible, deceptive powers. The design of the gospel is to confront this evil by means of remedial missionary work, and to destroy its destructive power by establishing enterprises of benevolence. LL 260.3

As a remedy for the terrible consequences into which selfishness led the human race, God gave His only begotten Son to die for mankind. How could He have given more? In this gift He gave Himself. “I and My Father are one,” said Christ. By the gift of His Son, God has made it possible for humanity to be redeemed and restored to oneness with Him. LL 260.4

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Love is the great principle that actuates unfallen beings. With amazement the angels behold the indifference that those who have light and knowledge manifest toward a world unsaved. The heavenly host are filled with an intense desire to work through human agencies to restore in humans the image of God. They are ready and waiting to do this work. The combined power of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost is pledged to uplift human beings from their fallen state. Every attribute, every power of divinity has been placed at the command of those who unite with the Savior in winning men and women to God. O, that all would appreciate the truth as it is in Jesus. O, that all would love God in return for the love wherewith He has loved them!—Letter 134, 1902. LL 260.5

Further Reflection: : Ellen White notes that God designed “remedial missionary work” to help address the sin of selfishness. How does serving the lost help to remove selfishness from our lives? LL 260.6