Looking out for number one is almost ingrained in the American psyche. While there seems to be some leanings away from this ingrained mentality, the typical behavior points to self-infatuation still taking center-stage. I know - it’s no surprise - you encounter selfish people every day when driving, standing in line, whatever. Yeah… that’s nice, but not talking about “other people” - nope… I’m really talking about me… and probably you too.

Obviously, this is all Adam’s fault. After all, he’s the moron who let his wife eat the fruit. After all, we all know that none of us would have been that stupid or selfish, right? Heck - it’s one stinkin’ tree! So, He blows it and we go from ONE rule to TEN!? How’s that for ruining it for the rest of us?

Well, truth is… I would have blown it sooner and more drastically. I would’ve been too excited about having a naked woman next to me all the time to even mention anything about a tree. Wait - they didn’t know they were naked? Really - you’re going with the literal rendition there? Sorry, bub, they had eyes - they just didn’t know what “naked” was or that it was “bad” to not have your body parts covered… I really doubt Adam was completely oblivious to the beauty of his wife.

So, where does that leave us? Well, we’re selfish ingrates by and large. Even when we try to be selfless, we tend to do it for recognition or, at the very least, to pat ourselves on the back. How do we break this? By living for someone other than ourselves. No - not that guy or gal you’re hot for either. Living for another human being will just burn you both out and most certainly will not end well for either of you.

Of course - the big DUH! here is we have to live for Jesus and not ourselves. [yawn] Yeah, I know, real downer that I would go and say something so stupidly obvious and cliche. How many times have we heard that in our lives? More times than I can count. But wait… before you just disregard my obviousness and count this as yet another trite little article - let me elaborate a bit.

Living for Jesus is not spouting a million Bible verses everyday. Living for Jesus is not seeing every human being as a person with a bright red target painted on them so you can use them for Bible verse throwing practice. Living for Jesus is not making sure EVERYONE knows about your list of things you simply won’t do because you’re a Christian. Living for Jesus is not, in any way, shape, or form measured by the number of converts you’ve got notched in that Gospel Gun. Nope. None of that can be used as a way for you to prove, convince, prod, hope, or acquire holiness.

Living for Jesus is recognizing that He is more important than you are. Oh - you think that’s already true? Who was the last naked person you clothed? Who was the last thirsty person you gave a drink to? Who was the last person you helped with sleeping accommodations? Too literal? Okay - who was the last person you know would qualify as “the least of these” that you actually DID something (anything) for to alleviate some amount of pain in their lives? I can’t remember when I’d last done anything for anyone else with any intentionality that could remotely qualify for fulfilling this clear Scriptural concept uttered by Jesus Himself.

Living for Jesus? Yep - it takes intentional living. We have to reformat our brains into realizing the word “living” in this context is not and cannot be passive. It doesn’t simply mean “breathing” or “existing” it means actively living in the reality that your life is not your own. Man - I suck at this… good thing He’s promised to help. I should probably ask Him more often, shouldn’t I?