We all struggle with selfishness; it can motivate us to achieve great things or become dangerous when someone gets in our way. However, family can thwart the power of selfishness if we allow it to work in our lives.
When our daughter recently came for a visit, her boys occupied our every waking moment and shattered our routines. Even though we built a swing set for them to play on, all the grandkids really wanted was our time and attention.
I have always struggled giving others my time. When I was in school, I felt I was wasting my time. When I got married, I struggled sharing time with my wife. After we had kids, I was alarmed how much time they each demanded. How can I accomplish all that needs to be done in life and keep giving my time to others?
Who owns time anyway? Did I create myself to live on this earth, or can I add one day to my existence? No! God brought me into this world and He will take me out of it. Each day I am here is a gift from Him. Though I have always known that, it has taken me a long time to realize that my time on this earth is not really mine, it belongs to God.
What makes life important? Some people think completing tasks is paramount while others feel we should help people. I like to get things done. A sense of accomplishment fills me when I have painted the house, mowed the lawn or fixed the car, but sadly, the car will wear out, the lawn will need mowed again and in time the house will need repainted. No task we complete in this life will last forever, but people will.
So, how is family an antidote for selfishness? If, in my task-oriented world, I can spend one hot summer afternoon watching my grandkids make mud pies out under the trees and listen to their stories, then God has partially succeeded in lifting me out of myself and helping me see others. Every task I accomplish in this life will need redone, but the family God has given me will last for eternity. There are many tasks in life we must fulfill, but we are only given one family. Where should we focus our efforts? Matthew 6: 20-21 says, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
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