Selflessness

My best friend, Adam Tipton, is currently walking around with a new piece of apparel that he would rather not be wearing. Adam is no fashion icon, by any means, but this apparatus that is currently on his left arm is definitely not getting him any style points. Several weeks ago, Adam was at work when he was asked to help with a trust fall. For those wondering, Adam is the maintenance director at Camp Northward in Falmouth, KY. It’s a church camp that sees hundreds of kids come every summer to learn about Christ and grow in their faith. Things like trust falls are not out of the ordinary, and this isn’t the first time he’s participated in one. Adam is a very strong man, and he’s the emergency catcher for many of these, especially if there are large adults involved. This was one of those occasions. They were catching the dean of wilderness camp, and he’s no lightweight. As he fell, Adam began to catch him and felt a tear in his arm. Luckily, he didn’t drop the man. Adam was the only one in pain, and that pain was legitimate. He had torn his bicep, and not just any tear, but a 9-centimeter tear. After finishing up surgery, Adam is now in a mechanical sling that will slowly, over the next several weeks, begin to straighten out his arm. 

Is Adam mad at anyone for his injury? Not at all. Will Adam continue to do things like trust falls in the future? Absolutely. Why would he do this if his job is maintenance? Simply put, Adam is a very selfless man. He would give you the shirt off his back. If you need help with anything, Adam will be there. Personally, Adam has helped me put hardwood flooring in my house, build a deck, put together my kids’ beds, and who knows how much more. Adam is the poster child for selflessness. There aren’t many people that I would want my kids to emulate in their adult lives, but Adam is one that I hope they pick up some tips from. He is what I would call a 234 Christian. A 234 Christian is taken from Philippians 2:3-4.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
 Philippians 2:3–4

Of all the traits that a disciple of Christ should be, selflessness may be the most counterintuitive of all of them. All humans have an innate survival instinct. Everything we do is done with the idea of looking out for our best interests. This isn’t necessarily evil, but it can become that when we don’t think of others and our impact on them. Jesus, the Son of the Almighty God of the universe, didn’t have to think of us. He didn’t HAVE to love us the way He did. He didn’t HAVE to give His life for us, but He did. God himself didn’t have to let all of that happen, but He did. Selflessness is one of the single-most incredible qualities of Christ. Compared to Him, we are nothing more than ants, but He doesn’t see us that way. When He came to earth in human form, he could’ve simply used his power to dominate the planet and force us into worshipping at His feet. Instead, Jesus took on a different approach.

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:25–28

Jesus’ approach to life on earth was all about serving others, not expecting service FROM others. This meant He would have to be willing to lower himself in order to treat others as greater. For this to even be possible, He would have to have so great a love for people that He would find joy in what He was doing. Selflessness has to begin with love. If you are incapable of love, you are incapable of selflessness. One has to accompany the other. 

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
 Galatians 5:13–14

One of the greatest gifts we have is freedom. However, our freedom in Christ may not be the same kind of freedom many think of. Freedom in Christ breaks the chains of hate, selfishness, jealousy, and greed. It makes the need for self-gratification move to the side. When we live out our freedom, we realize that we are free to love and serve others. Our joy is no longer in feeding our stomachs or bank accounts. Instead, we find joy in following Christ’s commands and example. Putting others first isn’t a chore. It’s pure enjoyment. Going on a mission trip, mowing your neighbor’s yard, helping an elderly person carry in their groceries…all of these things don’t feel like work. They feel like opportunities. Do you want to see the Church blossom and grow like a weed? Show me a church full of selfless people. President Harry S. Truman once said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” Selflessness doesn’t need recognition or awards to feel fulfilled. Selflessness just needs opportunity.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
 1 Timothy 6:17–19

We have a treasure that we will one day enjoy to the full. Our good works today helps us to build that treasure up. Even better, we can bring others with us who are able to enjoy these riches for eternity. When we see others as equals, when no one is viewed as lower than anyone else, it’s at that point when we are able to truly see through God’s eyes, and the outpouring of that is service to one another. Can you imagine the Church full of selfless people who want nothing more than the best for everyone and a willingness to serve each other? That’s the Church at its best.