Lover of Self

I read 2 Timothy 3: 1-5... and sadly I have been guilty of all these negative attributes more then once in my life. "But understand this. that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless,  unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people."
Today- was not one of my finest. I kept battling these selfish thoughts. The words "I," and "me," came up more then a few times in my head. I hate those moments when you realize that all you have been doing all day long is complaining about your circumstances and feeling sorry for yourself. I felt ridiculous- I have more then my share of blessings but instead I chose to dwell on all the things I don't have today instead.
When this moment arrived today my sin nature told me that everyone deserves to have a day to complain every once in a while. I had to stop and realize that this was my carnal nature speaking and not what the holy spirit was telling me to do. This has been one of the most difficult habits to get into- hearing a thought and thinking about what was telling me to do this or that.
When I read these verses I spotted right away that today I was a lover of self. There is nothing (in my mind) more unattractive then being selfish. Recognizing that I was doing something that I cannot stand is humiliating. I can't stand it when I realize I am being a hypocrite. Now that I am settling down for the day I have been trying to think about the things said in these verses. Looking for the opposites, the things that we should represent as Christians...
Lovers of God and of others
Givers
Humble
Helpful
Obedient
Grateful
Holy
Big hearted
Self Controlled
Loving good
Thoughtful
We need to look to our Savior as our example and strive to be as He is. This is no easy task, perfection as we all know is unobtainable but if that is where our heart is God will see our true intentions.
God's word is so full of answers, He gives the best advice and it's free! So now that today is over, I think I am ready to get over those selfish thoughts and move on to bigger and better things!
Goodnight
Amy Jo