There are some self-centered people out there.
Most everyone probably has an individual or two in their life who always seems to dominate the conversation, going on and on about themselves, their problems, their health, their accomplishments, their wants, their activities, their meetings, their history and their own lives.
While it is a great characteristic of being a good friend, sales agents or journalist to make the other person comfortable in opening up about themselves and what they are going through, these self-centered individuals do not always make the best friends, family members or co-workers.
In the street we see a community of takers, panhandlers and beggars out every day, expecting those who make better life choices to hand over some dollars. Often in the business world a profitable operation may present a deal to another organization that may only genuinely benefit one party.
We hear often that the founders of the great United States acted upon Christian values and goodwill, and certainly giving to the less fortunate is part of that tradition. Another component to that is that the founders also based the new nation upon the concept of free-market capitalism, private property rights and individual responsibility.
Adam Smith wrote of a society where, when everyone specializes in what they are good at and seeks to act in their own self-interest—to acquire the most value they can in exchange for their goods and services for personal benefit—that the entire society’s standard of living and production could rise and that everyone would have a free opportunity to succeed and make a living for themselves.
While Jesus absolutely said “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” and to “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you,” he also spoke that “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them,” warning people of the consequences of making foolish choices.
The Apostle Paul wrote later in the New Testament: “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
I ask that we consider the idea that we should all sacrifice and work hard so that we have an abundance for others to enjoy, but that it is morally right to stay focused on what you are good at and what draws profit to your business and family. It is responsible and just to act in your own self-interest.
Give back when you can, help those in need. That is an admirable thing to do as well.
But it is unethical to allow someone else’s laziness, negativity, stress, failure to take care of themselves or poor choices to negatively impact your family, your business or your joyful spirit.
Giving everything to foolish men at the expense of the righteous is not a good idea.
So, love your neighbor, be respectful, give gifts and compliments and time, but do not feel bad about standing up for yourself, your vision, you values, your family, your business, your own desires.
Take some personal responsibility.
Act in your own self-interest towards your household’s personal benefit and everything will balance. Stand up for yourself and your own well-being, it’s the patriotic, Christian thing to do.
