As Christians we are to love others and care for others and pray for others.
But what is the difference between being selfish and being self absorbed?
I would like to know so I can grow in my own walk with the Lord, thank you and God bless you.
2006-10-03 05:15:21 · 18 answers · asked by encourager4God 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Not much difference between being selfish and self-absorbed. Christ says to put our flesh (selfishness, pride) to death. This simply means that we need to put others first. Don't neglect yourself. Take care of yourself in health and hygiene, etc. But also seek ways to help others. Ministries are ready for you to sign up!
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
and
Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
2006-10-03 05:16:40 · answer #1 · answered by Juliart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's essentially no difference between being selfish and/or self-absorbed. Both indicate an egocentric view of life. If God is not in control of your life, then you are, and that is a great way to mess up.God wants to be the center of your life. He loves you with an everlasting love and He wants what is best for you. He will give you the strength and the desire to love others.Nothing is impossible with God. Give Him every area of your life and He will do in and for and through you what you can't do in your own strength.It is essential that you build your relatioship with Him through daily Bible reading and prayer. As your relationship with the Lord grows, your faith and trust in Him will grow, and your love for others will grow as well.
2006-10-03 12:37:35 · answer #2 · answered by Paulie D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Selfishness is only doing things because of what those things can do for YOU.
Self-absorbtion is being utterly consumed with your own life beyond and above all others to the extent that you are barely aware of the importance of anything that happens around you unless it affects you.
It's good that you want to know these things. And guess what? If ALL it does is make you a better person, that's enough.
2006-10-03 12:19:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being selfish is not thinking about yourself too much and being self absorbed is thinks of yourself too much or too highly. So they are both very similar and not good for you.
A way that Jesus lived and we should to is to put God First, others second and ourselves last.
Hope I've been of help. It relay good to see someone that wants to grow in their walk with God. I will pray for you.
2006-10-03 12:22:07 · answer #4 · answered by nat.woodbridge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being self-absorbed is being overly concerned with your own interests and desires. Being self-absorbed steps over the line to being selfish when your get so obsessed with your own interests and desires that you no longer care about anyone else's.
2006-10-03 12:22:03 · answer #5 · answered by moviesmiss1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is much difference, but I would say being selfish is more wanting things for yourself...like not wanting to share, and self absorbed is more only thinking of yourself and your problems or happiness.
2006-10-03 12:20:19 · answer #6 · answered by Angie R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being selfish is being concerned with your own perceived needs and wants, and being unwilling to give of your time and resources to help others.
Being self-absorbed is focusing your thoughts on yourself all the time, leaving no room for focusing on others or reflecting on God.
Both of these things hinder one's walk with the Lord. Focus on Jesus, and all else falls into place.
2006-10-03 12:19:08 · answer #7 · answered by Gestalt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that they are one and the same. One of the greatest struggles for all christians is to die to self so that christ can live in us. Our flesh is weak and we are subject to all of the temptations that plaque all of mankind through our flesh. Selfishness or being self absorbed is little more than a mixture of greed, pride, jealousy and all of the other sins that keep us distracted from focusing on Gods will for our lives.
2006-10-03 12:18:21 · answer #8 · answered by zero 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Selfish is keeping things to yourself, not willing to share. Self absorbed is when you're all caught up in yourself and can't think beyond anyone but yourself. You can't focus on the Lord if you're all absorbed in yourself. If you're going to walk with the Lord, you have to deny self, meaning submit your will to His.
2006-10-03 12:18:23 · answer #9 · answered by Gail R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure there is a difference. Maybe it's this: being selfish means that you want other people to focus on you all the time, while being self absorbed means you personally focus on no one but yourself.
Either way, it is obviously NOT what Christ calls us to do. "Those who say 'I love God,' and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars ... The commandment we have from God is this: those who love God MUST [not 'ought to' -- MUST] love their brothers and sisters also." -- 1st John 4.20-21
2006-10-03 12:23:34 · answer #10 · answered by Stranger In The Night 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋