3 Suggestions for Becoming Self-forgetful

We live in a culture in which many think it is perfectly normal to pursue whatever is in your self-interest — even if it means breaking your prior commitments. The thinking goes something like this:

You may be married.

You may have a good job.

You may be a part of a church.

However (the thinking goes), these should not come at your expense. As a result, many men and women make decisions they never dreamed they would make.

A man leaves his young wife and small child for another woman.

A middle-aged woman leaves her husband who has just learned he has cancer. She doesn’t want to have to take care of him.

Far too many people conclude that if something appears to be a “better offer” it is only reasonable to abandon one’s commitments so that one doesn’t miss this new opportunity.

Contrast this thinking with the person who practices self-forgetfulness for the sake of Jesus.

Paul writes in Philippians 2:3-7:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing …

John Ortberg, in The Life You’ve Always Wanted, writes:

Humility has to do with submitted willingness.  It involves a healthy self-forgetfulness.

The following are three suggestions for living a life of self-forgetfulness:
1. Celebrate with others when good, positive things come their way.
2. Refuse to waste time and energy wading through the “But what about me?” swamp. Such a perspective on life is energy draining and counterproductive.
3. Lose your life for the sake of Jesus and others. Remember Jesus who was committed to you at his own expense. Believe that you will actually find your life if you will not cling or grasp to what you have.