Whom the Lord Loveth by Neal A. Maxwell

Author:Neal A. Maxwell [Maxwell, Neal A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Gospel Teachings
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: 2003-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Selfishness

Though often nearly saturated in selfishness and self-pity, yet we are told to become “even as Jesus is” (3 Nephi 27:27). How else can we first get out of this thick ooze, except we fully worship Him in whom there is no selfishness?

David, the mighty warrior, probably felt he “deserved” Bathsheba. But did Uriah therefore “deserve” to be betrayed both in his marriage and then on the battlefield? (2 Samuel 11:14–17). When Joseph in Egypt was tempted, he said he would not sin against God nor against Potiphar (Genesis 39:9–17). He understood his relationship with God as well as with his fellowmen, blending the two great commandments.

Selfishness causes us to be so acquisitive and possessive. We also like our own marquee, be it a noticed role or a signature specialty of some kind. We can easily be taken in by the almost caressing touch of the “praise of men” (John 12:43), emanating as it does from those who occupy the mortal galleries to which we earnestly play. Nevertheless, these are merely rented galleries, and the ushers of succeeding events will evacuate them again and again.

Selfishness and self-pity preoccupy us in ways that make the sincere pursuit of the two great commandments very difficult. Whereas some worked the crowd to cry for Barabbas instead of Christ, the adversary is also content to work a crowd of one.

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