A Lesson Learn(ing): It’s {Not} All About Me!

I’ve seen the phrase “It’s All About Me” a few different times this week in a few different settings…first on a piggy bank selling for $2.49 at Walgreens and later on a child’s t-shirt. This phrase literally makes me cringe.

First of all, it is a lie. As adults we know that world doesn’t really revolve around us, no matter how much we want it to. To pretend that it does is denying the truth…and when we communicate this to our children, we are lying to them as well.

Secondly, it prevents us from moving into a more mature developmental stage. The “It’s All About Me” attitude is considered to be part of Piaget’s egocentric developmental stage, which we should have mostly overcome no later than age 12. Even six-year olds can put their own interests aside for a while and “walk” in someone else’s shoes.

Finally (and most importantly), it goes against everything that God expects of us.

“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.” -Philippians 2: 3-4

Christ himself, God made flesh, did this. He was willingly tortured and  hung on a cross for you and me, washed the disgusting feet of his disciples, and healed the sick (among countless other things). God calls us to a reverse economy…the opposite of what our culture teaches. Not looking out for our best interest, not desiring to be continually served.

“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.”  -Luke 22:25-27 (NLT)



I love that phrase…”For I am among you as one who serves.” 

There’s an advertisement for a local nonprofit agency on a busy road in our town it says, “She devoted her life. Can you give an hour?” with a picture of Mother Teresa. Every time I see that sign, it makes me think. But perhaps even more powerful would be a picture of nail-pierced hands that says, “He GAVE his life. Surely you can give a little of yours.”

Selfishness is a huge struggle for me. If I’m honest with myself, I admit that I am an extremely selfish person. And it makes it even harder when the society we live in condones it! I don’t want my children to think this sinful behavior is “okay” because they see me exemplifying my own selfish ambition day after day!

I’m semi-dreading the next few weeks because our “sacred” family time on Saturdays will be nonexistent for the next 3 weeks. Prince Charming has commitments and I’ve got a bad attitude. “What about me? When do I get a break? What about our family time?” are all questions I’ve asked Prince Charming this week. Just typing this out makes me disgusted with myself. No wonder I feel like my house is in disorder, I’ve been a little too consumed with my self…

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” -James 3:16-17

My prayer this week is that God will help me to get over myself, stop whining, start having a thankful attitude and most of all, start thinking about others before myself! Because after all, it’s not all about me…

8 Comments

  1. LOVE this post. Really. I'm reading it during nap time (x3 littles) and am thankful you listed verses for readers to refer to. My husband is in the Navy, frequently leaving us to do his job. He deploys for extended periods of time, leaves for schools and it's always disrupting our family time, my childrens' (4,2,9mos) behavior, and my attitude. Like you, I will find something motivating (in the evening, when I can think) and try to FREQUENTLY remind myself over the course of the next few days.

    James 3:16-17 really resonates with me, especially the first line. Thanks so much for this!

    I love your blog and refer to it often! Last week I started the sight words game with my 4.5 year old and was amazed how quickly he picked them up!

  2. thank you for this! perfect timing for me, God always seems to find a way to put me in check and today it was through this post!!

  3. THANK YOU!!! I so needed to read this today! You have been a blessing to me! I enjoy reading your posts and getting ideas for teaching my 5 yo and 14 month old. The 11 yo girl enjoys playing the games with the 5 yo too! Thank you, again!

  4. Every time I print something from your blog, or use one of your ideas, I am so thankful for that time that you take and the willingness you have to share your talents. Thank you for your unselfish acts in these manners!

  5. Don't be so hard on yourself, I can see from all you do with your children that you are not selfish. You are a loving mom!

    Fantastic post, your words made me self-reflect. Thank you. I needed that! :)

  6. Goodness, this has definitely been me these past few weeks–struggling with a bad attitude and a complaining spirit. Thank you for putting this struggle into words that certainly resonated with me :)

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