Why are we so selfish?

Do we really love our neighbor?

The first thing I want to say...  This isn't a "one size fits all" opinion about man.  There are a LOT of kind people out there in the world that do a lot for their fellow man.

The second thing I want to say... When I say "man", I don't mean a male, I mean mankind, humans, homo sapiens.

Now, on to the thoughts that weigh heavy on my heart.

Why are we so selfish?  Why do we think instant gratification, being the best (or the worst), being better than the Jones's, and all those other cliches are going to bring us happiness?  We live in a very self serving world and we are encouraged by the mainstream media and many of the rich and famous to take care of ourselves first and worry about everyone else never again.  But look around... tell me that it's a happy world around us? 

We're not made to be selfish.  Our human nature tells us it's the right thing to do, but it does not lead to internal joy and peace.  Try doing something kind for someone else with the following restrictions:

• There is no self gain in the results
• You can tell no one about it
• If possible, there is sacrifice on your part

Okay, I understand there are some people that don't want help, period the end.  So this experiment (if you want to call it that) might ultimately fail if you happen to find one of those people.  Not likely though.  If you do this, two things are probably going to happen.  First, you will make someone's day.  They will be filled with joy for the kind act.  Second, you will be filled with joy.  Go ahead, appreciate it and bask in it, but remember to follow the guidelines.

The thing is, we, as human beings, are happier when we serve.  It's been proven over and over.  Not out of fear or oppression, but out of desire and freedom.  When it's our choice to serve others, in whatever form that is, we fill this place within our hearts, minds and souls that brings us true satisfaction and joy.

Unfortunately, most of us only do this when it's convenient.  When we get something out of it.  When the chips are down, we'll do anything to get ahead.  When the going gets tough, we think we need to run over the next person to make sure we get ours.  Think about this though... what if EVERYONE knew how to be kind and help those around them.  Then, when the going did get tough, we could ask for help instead of lashing out.  We could reach out a hand and someone would be there to lift us back up.

The reason these things weigh on my heart is that I've witnessed some things in my life over the last few months that shocked me.  I watched someone reap the benefits of a situation for 45 years and when it was justly taken away, they lashed out and tried to take others down with them.  There was so much hypocrisy in the accusations and it made me sad to see it end the way it did.  But I've also watched someone make sacrifices in their life to give others a chance at a better life.  Open arms with no self gain.  In fact, there is a lot of cost involved (not just money).  And to see the joy it brings to those receiving as well as the character of the ones giving... now that is wonderful to see.  

Maybe you don't believe in God.  I do!  The Bible teaches us all of this too.  I believe He made us this way because it just works when we do it the way he wants us to do it.  I don't want to make my blog a soap box for religion so I will leave it at that.  So, even if you don't believe there is a God, be kind to those around you and give without receiving.  It will make your life better.

I want to do better at this myself.  I've been on the receiving end of other's kindness.  I've been on the selfish end and I've been able to help.  I know which one has made me a better person.  I still fail so often, but I think about it more and more and am thankful for experiences that have helped me to be a better neighbor, friend, brother, father, husband and fellow man.