31 days, 31 questions, 31 answers - Day 21

I read an article by author, professor and theologian Don Whitney that listed 31 questions to consider for a new year. I decided that I will answer one question each day in January. Here is question twenty one, and my answer.

1.      In what area of your life do you most need growth, and what will you do about it this year? I need most growth in being giving rather than being selfish. It seems that my natural born sinful nature and selfishness acts out more often than not. Having children has only made me more aware of this struggle in my life, as they need things from me, and I am sometimes resentful that they need my time, my energy, etc. It is difficult to be one who gives. Often we can say that we are givers, but when we truly look at our motivations, we see that we are only giving in order to receive something (praise, kudos, return on our investment, tax write-off, etc). To give of yourself, as Jesus gave of himself, is something difficult. How to remedy? I think first, I need to look at the motivations behind everything I do. Why am I acting in this way? What purposes might I seek to be gaining by acting in this way? Second, I constantly need to remind myself of the intrinsic image of God in every person with whom I deal. They are all created in the image of God, and as such, are worthy of repect. Third, I need to remind myself and claim the words of Scripture – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourself” (Philippians 2:3). Finally, I need to take the gods of comfort, selfishness, personal time, and possessions off of the altars on which I have placed them in order to give Jesus the place He should rightfully occupy.