Part of the fallen human condition is the desire to put oneself first. A baby cries when he or she needs food, to be changed, doesn't feel well, or needs to be held.
As they grow, most children quickly learn how to get their way with their parents, whether it is looking cute, whining or throwing a fit. It is always interesting to observe this behavior as I shop.
As one grows older, reality begins to set in and we realize that no one gets everything they want or their own way all the time — and, indeed, it wouldn't even be beneficial to get everything a person may desire.
This can be a difficult lesson at times, but one we all need to learn.
Our sinful nature seeks its own desires, but in Philippians 2:3-4, we read, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
Think of how much nicer life would be if we followed this premise, to look out for the interests of others. No murder, no stealing, no violence — what an amazing life that would be.
There are certainly times when we need to insist on getting our own way. For instance, when we get an inferior or defective product, should the company be reluctant to make the transaction right, we need to insist it be replaced.
If someone working on our cars or homes does a poor job, then we need to insist the job be done correctly. Many times this requires that we speak up and make our needs known and that we not back down.
There are certain people who exemplify selflessness and put others first, sometimes at the expense of themselves. Part of being an adult means giving up one's own rights, and this is demonstrated by parents toward their children.
I think of the many Crestview teachers who devote extra time, energy and resources to help their students and I thank them.
A person who exemplifies selflessness, love and kindness, through both her teaching in Crestview, as well as her work at her church, was Bertie Ann Curenton.
May the Lord comfort her family and friends upon her departure from this earthly life to her heavenly home.
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The importance of selflessness