M is for ME
M is for ME, all about ME.....
I think this is the mantra for the 21st century. Its all about me and not about you. As long as I am happy, as long as I have what I want, as long as I can wear what I like and I really don't give two hoots about anyone else.
We live in a selfish society that only cares about one thing, the individual. The other day I was reading in the newspaper about a divorce with the comment "they had grown apart". If we think about our spouse and not about ME, then how can a couple "grow apart". People grow apart because they have allowed it to happen, too busy looking after themselves (ME) and not spending enough time with their spouses.
Only a few now give up their seat on a bus or train to the elderly, even less for a ladies.
People barge past to be served first with no thought of anyone else.
People use foul language around others with no consideration to the feeling of others.
Women wear revealing clothing and believe it is their right even if it offends men.
We live in a selfish society that only cares about one thing, the individual. The other day I was reading in the newspaper about a divorce with the comment "they had grown apart". If we think about our spouse and not about ME, then how can a couple "grow apart". People grow apart because they have allowed it to happen, too busy looking after themselves (ME) and not spending enough time with their spouses.
This may explain why many marriages are falling apart, marriage isn't and can't be about ME, its about US. As a wife, it is my husbands needs I need to think about -- what would he like, rather than what I would like. It is his happiness that I need to think about, my happiness will come knowing that he is happy. I read a little article called "Putting self on the shelf" (link) Can you leave yourself on the shelf long enough to truly put your husband or wife first? It doesn't come natural. At times, it doesn't come easy. But it does bring priceless - and precious - results. You will end up drawing your hearts closer together. Perhaps if more people tried this, what a differences it would make to divorce rates.
Trying to teach our children that "ME" is not always best can be a difficult lesson -- children do focus on themselves but need to be taught to look at the needs of others, whether that be their sibling, school friend or stranger. It would be good to create a new generation of children who are considerate to others, who think of other people before they open their mouths as in Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. What a difference the world would be if we thought about one other person each day, rather than ourselves.
Being a Christian means putting self last and the Lord first. It isn't what I want, it is what the Lord wants me to do . . . people find this very difficult. This takes discipline and self control. Trusting in the Lord and living our lives as per the instructions of the Bible means putting away ME/SELF.
That they who love should no longer live to themselves, but to Him who died for them and has been rasied.
2 Cor 5:15
So true. It is the tragedy of our times, I reckon - and that selfishness is at the root of most of the evil that happens in our world. I don't think people even KNOW how to put others first, let alone choosing to do something just because it's the kind thing to do.
ReplyDeleteAs for people pushing in etc, it does depend where you live (I can see a big difference between the behaviour of people in the city as compared with the behaviour of people in the country), but in some situations, if you were to apply kindness, you would actually never get your business taken care of because people would just take advantage of your kindness rather than appreciating it and returning in like manner. Isn't that tragic?
And marriages - they are not based on true love to begin with, all too often, so it's no wonder they grow apart or "fall out of love". True love is NOT selfish! If it was true love, it would last, and the couple in question would recognise that it was worthwhile to WORK on their marriage.
Ahh the sadnesses in our world. It's very discouraging. But... always worthwhile to remember that 'but for the grace of God, there goes I'.
My devotional this morning was perfect for what I had written yesterday (this happens so often I have noticed!):
DeleteTherefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Gen 2:24)
A couple cannot remain selfish and focused on ME if they are to become "One" as the bible tells us to. Couples don't want to become one as Christ has asked us to do as it means giving up our independences and working together - and that goes against everything the world is telling us. You are quite right Clara, when you have truly in love this is not impossible at all. You would do anything for a person you love from the bottom of your heart.
And yes, I agree - if you are too nice you can be completely ignored. And yes, I have noticed people have more manners in the country than in the city - perhaps because they aren't rushing about as much?
Good post! I agree with you and Clara.... btw I can't get into Clara's blog anymore... I had an invite.... shame because I enjoyed reading it! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how we got to this point of being so selfish and only thinking of "me". A very sad state of affairs.
DeleteI can get into Clara's blog - if she is reading this, she maybe able to answer your question.
Have a lovely week:)
I sent you an invite, Glenys, but I should warn you that I don't blog very often anymore. My blog is still private.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I think the European culture also infected with the 'me' virus. The seeds are in the heart of us all. But by the grace of our Lord Jesus, the weeds will not grow up in our own hearts. Of course we must love ourselves. Otherwise we can not love another. God can teach us the right balance ... Good posting. I read with interest and self-reflection. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteEurope may not be in the mess it is if people weren't so selfish. I don't think there are many corners of the world that aren't all about ME. Very sad.
DeleteHave a lovely week:)
Blessings
Great post!
ReplyDeleteWhat I find truly annoying is that the "me first" mentality is printed upon children's clothing. I can't tell you how many times I have gone into a store that sells clothing, and the words, "It's all about me" are printed VERY LARGE across a shirt. I get angry when I see things like this because these messages teach children to be selfish and only think of themselves. I don't know what people are thinking when they make stupid clothing like this, ugh!
I don't think people "think" much at all these days - otherwise they wouldn't be so rude and me-centred. No wonder children are so selfish, they watch their parents doing it and copy - what a mess the world is in:)
DeleteIts nice to know that there are likeminded people out there!
Good post! Selfishness causes so much destruction doesn't it, beginning at home first! Good reminder Jo, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm new to your blog and have been enjoying going through your past posts. We think a lot alike!
ReplyDeleteI have a four year old daughter and am so tired of seeing clothes with 'spoiled' and 'diva' on them. Like that's something to be proud of? UGH!
Also when I was pregnant it was interesting to see (irritating rather) how (some) people don't give up their seats anymore for you. One place in particular, this woman's kids were sprawled on couches while many people were having to stand. She just sat there oblivious!
Sorry for the rant and I do love your blog!
Beth