Oh, how I hate hearing these words come out of my daughter's mouth. They make me cringe. How could MY sweet daughter be selfish?
With my counselor-husband and from my own remembrances of educational psychology and human growth and development classes, I know that this is a phase that all humans go through. The world revolves around them.
To me, it is also evidence of the sin nature that is within all of us. We all have a tendency to say "mine, mine, mine," when it comes to our possessions, or positions, or people. We are selfish beyond the ego-centric phase of development.
As adults, we have to reign in that ego-centrism. (Children need to learn to reign it in too, but that's a different post.) How long can we operate in this world by thinking only of ourselves? Not long. Ego-maniacs are not very popular. No one likes being with someone who only thinks about themselves.
Also, as Christians, we have to learn to put the ego-maniac on the shelf and leave her there. Luke 12:34 tells us, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." If all we see are the THINGS, if all we say is "mine," then that tells us where our heart is. Selfishness ties us to this world.
And while I hate hearing my daughter say "mine," I hate hearing myself say it too. Time to let go of selfishness and find my treasure in heaven.
You're so right...its so hard todo that though. Ya know as kids we are impressed with that idea that we need to think of self before others. But I gotta say-having kids makes you learn quickly to drop that "me" idea
ReplyDeleteSo true, Heather.
ReplyDeleteAmen sister, if only we could find balance.
ReplyDeleteGinger