How can we avoid the selfishness seen in 1 Samuel 30:22? The Scene in Ziklag “ ‘Because they did not go out with us, we will give them no share of the plunder we recovered, except each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.’ ” (1 Samuel 30:22) Why This Attitude Matters • It denies the unity God desires among His people (Psalm 133:1). • It forgets that victory and provision come from the Lord, not from personal effort alone (1 Samuel 17:47). • It opposes the principle of caring for the weaker members of the body (1 Corinthians 12:22-26). Root Causes of Selfishness • Pride—placing my work above God’s grace (James 4:6). • Fear of scarcity—doubting the Lord’s ongoing provision (Matthew 6:31-33). • Short memory—forgetting past mercies (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). Guard Rails for the Heart 1. Refocus on the Giver – “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). – Daily thank God for specific blessings; gratitude crowds out greed. 2. Remember We’re One Body – “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). – Celebrate others’ victories as your own. 3. Embrace Christ’s Example – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). – Serve in unseen ways this week—no spotlight, no fanfare. 4. Practice Open-Handed Giving – “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). – Set aside a regular portion of income or time for those in need. 5. Cultivate Contentment – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5). – List what you already possess instead of what you lack. Steps to Take When Tempted to Hoard • Pause and pray: ask, “Whose glory am I seeking?” • Rehearse God’s past faithfulness—journal answered prayers. • Seek counsel from a mature believer; hidden greed festers. • Redirect resources immediately—give something away. • Encourage the faint-hearted; generosity of words often precedes generosity of wallet (Proverbs 25:11). Living Generously Together • Form small groups that identify tangible needs within the fellowship. • Rotate leadership so no one person controls the “plunder.” • Share testimonies of how God supplies when we release our grip (2 Corinthians 9:8). Takeaway Truths • Everything we possess is stewarded, not owned (Psalm 24:1). • The battle is the Lord’s; the spoils are for His people (1 Samuel 30:23-24). • Generosity reflects the gospel we proclaim (2 Corinthians 8:9). Choose generosity now, and selfishness will lose its grip. |
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