The Wages Of Selfishness

Individuals who are unwilling to serve God and others and who only serve themselves eventually become unable to serve even themselves. The rich man in Luke 16 served himself and had others, probably many others, serving him. He lived as much of his life as he could that way. When he reached the place of torments he had no one to serve him and he could not even serve himself. In my decades of ministry in nursing homes I have noticed that believers in Jesus are still serving God and others in whatever little ways they can. I have also noticed that unbelievers are never satisfied by those who serve them and take care of them. And even before their death they become unable to serve themselves. I have also noticed younger individuals and individuals not in nursing homes who have been unwilling to serve God and others that have become totally unable to serve even themselves. They have not been willing to serve others and then they become totally useless even to themselves. I wonder if the judgment of God is upon them already. Whether they are paid before or after death, the wages of selfishness are a total inability to serve God, self or others. Individuals who cannot have their own way or even serve themselves are the angriest and unhappiest individuals I ever meet.

Read Luke 16:19-26

Galatians 6:10: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

1 Timothy 6:17-19: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Romans 12:10-13: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

James 4:17: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

1 John 3:17: But whoso hath this world*s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Deuteronomy 15:7: If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

Luke 3:11: He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

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