Beware of the Infection of Self-Centeredness
As
we grow older there is a tendency to drift into preoccupation with ourselves: our
health, our physical problems, our sleep, money, trips, grandchildren and more. The process also may include losing interest
in others—their trips, interests, accomplishments, new items.
There
is little as pleasant as another person taking interest in our lives. So it is essential that as we grow older, and
the self-centered drift progresses, that we resist it. It often requires a deliberate decision to
move in that direction.
Not
only does such a choice thrill the ones we show interest in, it is also an
antidote against an older-person malady (me-ism) that turns others off.
Becoming
a giver may require upgrading our self-concept.
We must believe this truth—“I am a reservoir of blessings”. We are all full of goodness and must be ready
to overflow with nourishment for the souls of younger folks.
It
doesn’t matter who you are, or how healthy, educated, wealthy or attractive. You have within you words, interest, stories
and expressions that can make a wonderful positive difference in the lives of
younger men and women. We are all
potential healers. Check that self-centered drift, and spill loving interest on
some young ones. It can be life-giving
to them, but it will always be spirit-lifting to us as well.
AS
WE GROW OLDER WE MUST DELIBERATELY TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT OFF OURSELVES AND TURN IT
ON OTHERS.
When I led a weekly Bible Study that talked about the lesson in 12 small groups to, I noticed the groups usually ended the time by standing in a circle, holding hands, with heads bowed, praying about their health problems or those of their family members.
ReplyDeleteWith a desire to expand their prayers to include praise, thanks, and things beyond their own personal lives, I tried an experiment. I invited the groups of 6-8 to stand facing outward and pray with their eyes open, letting the things that caught their attention inspire their spontaneous prayers.
Several interesting things happened. First, in order to be heard they began to pray with a stronger voice that contained emotion. Second, they began to thank God for things like trees and flowers, the gardener at work, the 3rd grade children skipping past the windows. Some prayed for a friend they noticed across the room, others prayed for the church or the nation. Praying this way completely changed the atmosphere of our meetings and the members began to show more of an interest in each other.
Lord, teach us to pray....