LIVING SELFISHLY OR SELFLESSLY?

• Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle; The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying, Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle: WHEREFORE, SAID THEY, IF WE HAVE FOUND GRACE IN THY SIGHT, LET THIS LAND BE GIVEN UNTO THY SERVANTS FOR A POSSESSION, AND BRING US NOT OVER JORDAN. AND MOSES SAID UNTO THE CHILDREN OF GAD AND TO THE CHILDREN OF REUBEN, SHALL YOUR BRETHREN GO TO WAR, AND SHALL YE SIT HERE? (Numbers 32:1-5)

• We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance. (Numbers 32:18).

• And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Luke 22:31-32).

What is your Christian Life? Are you “selfish” living in your blessings? That is dangerous. You have to be able to help others also get into their blessings. If you are blessed materially, don’t forget, your life is not yours alone. There are other people you have to extend your material blessings to, other than that your blessings is empty. Do you have any spiritual gifts? You also have to make sure other people benefit from your gifts. No one is an island—God blesses us both materially and spiritually, so we will be a blessing to others.

If you have read the scriptures above, you will get the lessons in it.
1. Instead, of marching forward together to Jordan, the Children of Reuben found a comfort zone and they want to dwell there so they will not go to Jordan. They were being selfish. They did not want to go to Jordan and fight with their brothers. They said: “and bring us not over Jordan”

2. When Moses refused their request, they now agreed that they will get involved with their brothers to go to Jordan and after Israel has conquered Jordan, then they will come back to inherit their “comfort zone”. That is what we are meant to do—help others achieve their dreams when we find our dreams.

3. Jesus prayed for Peter, so that he will be able to help others stand strong.

Make it a point to live looking beyond yourself.