Reports of shark attacks make national headlines. We read about and even can watch videos of people heroically fighting off these powerfully amazing and frightening creatures.
I recently heard brother David Lipe say something to the effect of: “You’ll never hear about me getting eaten by a shark because I’m not going near the water! If a shark wants to bite me, he’ll have to come to my house.” (He was making the point that he was going to avoid danger—he would not put himself in a tempting or compromising position and he was going to avoid being tempted to sin.)
I mention sharks because I recently came across a rather unusual statistic. So far, in the year 2015, more people have died in an attempt to take a “selfie” than have died in shark attacks.
That is right. More people have died this year trying to take a picture of themselves than have died because of the ferocious teeth of Jaws.
Obviously, there is nothing inherently sinful in taking a picture of ourselves. However, this quirky stat about selfies and sharks serves as a good reminder. It is easy to fall prey to the culture of “me.”
Being self absorbed is a problem. Being so inwardly focused that we miss opportunities to serve others is a problem. Selfishness is wrong. It destroys both our earthly and our heavenly relationships.
Don’t be selfie absorbed.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phil. 2:3-4)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now
live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal. 2:20)
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Rom. 15:2)
