I had one of those days this week. The kind where everything seems to go wrong. It wasn't just accidental circumstances, I was making stupid decisions too. Everything from technology to marriage was bothering me. I empathized with my buddy, Oscar the grouch!

Yet, within my frustration I wanted resolution. I didn't want the day to keep going in that direction. I explained my complaints to God and replayed the days events. God's encouragement was helpful but not easy to accept. I noticed how much of my day centered on me. It was painfully obvious how, from the moment I got up to that conversation with God, my thoughts had all been about me.

Think about something for a minute. How many times during the day do you base your actions, attitudes, or words on yourself? It's not a silly question, seriously. Most people go through a normal day from start to finish like this: wake up and think about what I would like to eat. Think about how I am tired. Put on clothes and do hair in a way so I look good. Change lanes so I can get ahead in traffic. Pick the music I like to listen to. Get homework or work done the way I like so I can move on to something I prefer better. Eat what I like again, watch the T.V. show I like, talk about what I like to my friends, and go to bed when I like.

That's a lot of daily decisions based on "I".

First things first. I hate to tell you this but you are selfish. It's harsh I now, but it's true. You and I are fundamentally, foundationally, and primarily selfish beings.(Jer. 17:9) If we are not careful we can live that way all the time and think it is normal. But secondly we must remember that we are no longer bound to selfishness. Jesus Christ has opened a new way through the cross for us to follow him in a life of selflessness. With the power of the Holy Spirit we need not live for ourselves anymore. In fact, now that you call yourself a Christian, Christ-follower, disciple or believer, you are commanded to live selfless. You are commanded to live for God and others before you even think about yourself!

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And...Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matt 23:37,39)

"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." (I Cor. 10:24)

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Ph. 2:4)

What does it look like to love others as yourself? It means you give them what you would give yourself. It means you take care of them as well as you would take care of yourself. Opening a door for someone, sharing your food, listening before talking, writing an encouraging note to a friend, or stopping what you were doing to help a sibling. These are all simple ways to look after others interests before your own.

What does it look like to seek the good of others? It could mean you keep any negative thoughts about someone to yourself and you only say positive things about them. Instead of avoiding someone you make an effort to bring them joy. Instead of being fine with their failure you put effort into helping them succeed.

I found out the real reason I was having such a bad day. I was only thinking about myself. Focusing on yourself is a recipe for frustration and discontentment. It also alienates you from the goodness and love of God. There is a profound joy and peace when we serve and love others. Focusing on God first allows us the correct perspective to see the value in others. It allows us to appreciate the simple tasks of expressive love. When we live out of the extravagant and abundant love God give us we can see beauty in transferring it to others.

You might be thinking, "Wait a minute if I only think of others all the time what will happen to me? Won't my life fall apart? I mean, I gotta make sure I'm taken care of." There is an unmistakable promise of provision in Matthew 6:25-33. Jesus is aware of all the daily needs we have. He doesn't overlook the provisions that life requires. But he desires for us to get our perspective on point. "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you." The kingdom of God is for the needy, the orphan, the sick, and the selfish. The kingdom of God is about provision and hope for those that need it most. The same way God is telling us to take care of others he will abundantly take care of us.

When love is seeking the highest good for others the Kingdom of God is displayed. When our lives our focused first on God and our actions represent true selfless love the Kingdom of God is made known!

I challenge you to do something; wake up tomorrow and choose to make 2 decisions based on others first before you even get to lunch. As you pray for lunch thank God for the opportunities to make his Kingdom known on earth. Then make 2 more decisions putting others first before you go to bed and praise God for his goodness.

That is the recipe for joy and peace.

- Josh