Sharing With Others

What was the first word you spoke? More than likely, our first word was either “mama” or “dada.” Not long after that, though, I bet you learned to say “mine.” Because we are all born with a sin nature that we inherited from Adam, we are all born selfish. What is natural and normal for us is to think about ourselves before we think about others. We think about what we want. We think about what will make us look good. We think about what is in our own best interests. It is natural, even expected in our cultural, for us to put our interests ahead of the interests of others.

Let me give you a personal example. I’ve ordered a lot of pizza in my life. I’ve eaten a lot of pizza in my life. After many years as a youth pastor, small group leader, and father of six kids, I’ve probably ordered thousands of pizzas. And when it comes to pizza, and looking out for my own interests, I’ve got a dirty little secret to tell you. When it’s time to dish out the pizza, what might appear on the surface as an act of service is in reality an act of selfishness. You see, as the leader and “servant,” I’ll take responsibility for dishing up a slice of pizza for everyone else before myself. However, the moment that pizza box is opened, my eyes have spotted the primo piece of pizza… the biggest, cheesiest, pepperoniest (is that even a word?) piece with the perfect crust. As I dish out the pizza, I make sure that piece is left for me. Sinner!

One of the things every parent wants their children to learn how to do is to share with others, be unselfish and be generous. It’s the same with our Father in heaven. He wants His children to learn how to be gracious and generous.

Read Acts 2:42-47.

List all the ways that you see unselfishness being demonstrated by the early church.

Read Romans 12:3-8.

Read Romans 12:9-18.

We demonstrate unselfishness when we use the talents and abilities God has given us to serve others and build them up in their faith. God has uniquely gifted each of us to make a necessary contribution to the lives of others. As you consider how God has gifted you, is there someone or some way that you believe God wants you to serve?

Read Romans 10:13-15.

When I fail to tell someone about Christ because the timing is inconvenient for me, or because I think they’ll reject me, it is the ultimate act of selfishness. I’m putting my desire for comfort or acceptance above their need for Jesus. Just like my pizza confession, I must also confess that I have been selfish with the gospel more times than I care to admit.

We demonstrate unselfishness when we freely share the good news that has changed our life with others who need to hear it. God has given us a story to tell. Our story. His story. The message of reconciliation. We are His ambassadors!