In the last two devotionals, I shared about Queen Jezebel’s selfishness and Queen Esther’s selflessness. It’s interesting that both Jezebel and Esther called for a fast before they moved into action. Jezebel was getting ready to accuse an innocent of man of wrongdoing, so she can eliminate him. On the other hand, Esther asked people to fast, so she can have the courage to save others’ lives!
A worthless person, a wicked man, Walks with a perverse mouth; He winks with his eyes, He shuffles his feet, He points with his fingers; Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. Proverbs 6: 12-15
Selfishness is the seed that brings about the fruit of wickedness. When a person allows their selfish desires to take control of their lives, they would do anything to reach their goals. God considers it wickedness when someone plots evil schemes by falsely accusing and pointing their fingers at others. He declares that calamity awaits those who live their lives doing evil. Queen Jezebel continued doing what she wanted to do until such a time when God chose to destroy her. Jezebel’s selfishness gave her a temporary satisfaction, but at the end her wicked plans brought sudden destruction. Interestingly, her own eunuchs threw her out the window! A selfish person doesn’t have loyal friends because their relationships are based on what benefits them.
How can we avoid selfishness? We need to respect others’ choices. Slow down, be patient, and surrender our desires to God!
So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Esther 8:15-17
Queen Esther risked her life to ensure her people were saved from calamity. God orders the steps of a righteous person, and He showed Esther how to handle this tricky and difficult situation. There was also unexpected good consequences that came out of her selflessness. Mordecai, her cousin, was deservedly honored for saving the King’s life from a plot against him. In addition, the wicked Haman ended up being surprised with a sudden calamity. That day became a holiday, the Feast of Purim, commemorating a day of joy and celebration for God’s people being saved from calamity.
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. Proverbs 11:10
A righteous person lives a life that is selfless. Selflessness brings joy and gladness to those who are blessed with our acts of kindness and courage. The stories of Queen Jezebel and Queen Esther are a vivid contrast of a selfish life versus a selfless life. Those choices are also available to each one of us. Just because we are believers, it does not make us selfless automatically. We have to live directed by the Holy Spirit and not give any room for our selfish desires.
Would those around you consider you a selfish or a selfless person? Pray and ask the Lord to give you opportunities to be selfless. Give of yourself without an expectation of return and allow others to be blessed with your sacrifice and time.
