Selfishness

Selfishness is at the root of many of our society’s problems. We have become a people obsessed with self. Everything is about me. Don't offend me. Don't take away my programs. Give me health care. Take care of me. I deserve to be provided for even if I don't earn it. Me, me, me.

I picked this topic today because of an article in the Arizona Republic about Non-Mormons not being able to attend Temple weddings and the heart break that comes from it. The article discussed a mom whose son joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and who was going to be married in an LDS Temple. Since she was not a member of the LDS Church, she could not enter the Temple and would not be present for the marriage ceremony. She was devastated and could not believe a Church would prevent her from attending her son’s wedding. She was complaining about everything she would miss. It was all about her and how hurt she felt because she was going to miss out. Not once did it mention that she was happy for her son. I wonder if she even considered that this is what was making him happy. If she had been able to put her son first and not been so selfish thinking only of herself, she would have been able to support her son and joyed in the occasion instead of brooding over everything "she" was going to miss. How sad for her.

Besides this, if she would have taken the time to learn and understand, she would have learned that what happens in the Temple ceremony is nothing like what she wants for a wedding anyways. The ceremony in the Temple is simple and sacred and does not have the pomp and circumstance she is longing for. The celebration she wants can still occur afterwards at a reception. They can enjoy all that she is longing for in the reception, without the alcohol, of course.
Anyways, the point is that selfishness is the cause of much of our issues. If people could stop dwelling just on themselves and start thinking of others, much would improve. There is a bit of a paradox in this. The more you put others before yourself, the happier you will be. Funny how the result everyone is seeking for in their selfishness can only be achieved by turning away from self and serving others.