Philippians 2:1-4 (KJV) - If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

We can be very selfish at times. When I speak of selfishness, I'm not talking about the 'IT'S MINE, I'LL KILL YOU' type of selfishness, but the small subtle selfishness that can creep within us all - sometimes unnoticed. Solomon speaks of little foxes that spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15) and though he wasn't referring to selfishness, it is the little things we do in life that build upon one another to build our character and the direction of our lives.

A little Me here, a little Me there, if I'm not careful, Me will be everywhere. Me doesn't consider We. We can be the family, co-workers, the job itself, school, friends, etc. - anything that gets in the way of Me .

I'm currently taking a Masters course that I didn't put a lot of effort into - and my grade may reflect it. To make up for my lack-luster performance, I wanted to take as many classes as possible to raise my GPA.

I'm also eligible to test for my next promotion in 8 months (for military enlisted members, we test for promotion). There are two tests I will take and I need to get an average of 75 points on each test to be selected for promotion. Though I told my wife I will study this year, my recent 'disappointment' in my Graduate course was calling me to redeem myself.

Now, the promotion will bring an extra $4800-6000 per year, but the degree was calling my name - it still is. I want to receive my Masters Degree, but the added bonus in promotion will be a great boost for our family. What do I do?

Years before I was confronted with the same option and chose to put off studying for promotion in order to receive my Bachelor's degree - that took 4 years. By the fourth year, my wife wasn't too happy, but I found out I was being promoted a few days later. Today, I'm in the same situation.

This time, I will study for promotion. I will spend the next 8 months studying to receive my next promotion. The welfare of my family must come first - the needs of We above Me.

There will be many of the same choices before me in the years ahead...maybe even minutes. I must be patient, disciplined, and obedient to the voice of the Lord to direct my steps. Selfishness doesn't solve problems, it's only concern is for itself, not for others. It only hurts me and those I love. Many of us have some big decisions ahead of us. Who will prevail in your life - ME or WE?!

UPDATE: JUNE 2007 - The Lord has blessed me with the promotion to the next rank and I've taken two classes since...