Genesis 4:4
Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel  and his offering.

Hard to be a follower of Jesus and be selfish at the same time.
Hard to be a follower of Christ and be self-centered at the same time.
But such is the nature of a life given to addiction.
Selfish and self-centered.
Maybe that is the very heart of sin....there is room for nobody else but yourself.
Oh, you need people in your life...but they are allowed in for only what they can do for you. You draw them to yourself for what they can give you.
You enter into a relationship with another person and they become your second drug of choice.
Why?
Because they make you feel good about yourself. A good friend of mine described such a mindset (selfish and self centered) as being "Little black holes of endless need." Just sucking the life out of everyone they meet.

The two brothers in the Genesis story, Cain and Abel, are perfect examples of what happens when "self" gets involved and in the way.
Both men were hard workers.
But the selfish nature of sin brought destruction on the scene.
Both brought their "offerings" before God. One offering was received, one was rejected.
Why?
Because Cain approached God the way he wanted to. He wanted to receive a blessing an acceptance of his offering from God, but he wanted it in order to fulfill an ego...."Hey! Look at me...God loves what I do."
Abel, on the other hand, came to God in a way that was acceptable. Abel received the blessing.

But even with all his selfishness, God still came to Cain and engaged him in a conversation in order to show Cain the error of his ways. Funny thing about being selfish...when you are wronged by someone, you don't really want to listen to anything that person has to say to you. Being self-centered has a way of shutting down all outside communication.The only thing you want to listen to is that voice that is screaming inside your head. "It isn't fair! Everyone is out to get you! You've got to do something to get even!"

God came to Cain and explained the situation.
Genesis 4:7 - "If you do well, will you not be accepted?And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Such words as these spoken by God doesn't sound like rejection, does it? God loved Cain and wanted the best for Him. But Cain wouldn't listen, and such rejection of God and His words only darkened a heart that was being driven by sin. Rather than see the error of his ways, and the love that God had for him, Cain wold not turn it loose. Instead his selfishness and anger was directed toward his brother, Abel. You know the rest of the story. It was all down hill after that. Except for one thing. Cain still could have repented at any point. He could have gone before God and said, "You know..you were right and I was wrong. Forgive me for what I have done."  But the selfish part of Cain would not allow him to repent. Don't give such a thing as selfishness and being self-centered a place in your heart and in your live.

Following Jesus is built on humility. Knowing who you are in this relationship with Christ, or what I call the "divine" Pecking order. 
(1.) He is God
(2.) I am not.
End of story.

The song that I posted above, Lilly of the Valley, is one of my favorites.
To recognize the awesomeness of God and the simple fact that HE wants to have relationship with me, is beyond my ability to understand or comprehend such a thing.
"More of You...and less of me.....More of You and less of me. And More of You...And More of You.....Jesus!"
Let that be the cry of our hearts. For when we live from this place, there isn't any room for selfishness.

God on you....
mb