Are We Christians Selfish?

It's a long time since I've posted here, for which I apologise to anybody that might concern. But I'm back with a bang, as the saying goes.

One thought which recurs to me over and again is of the Christian ideal of selflessness. Or to put it another way, of trying not to be selfish. We strive, or so we ought, to help our fellow man. To give to charity, to provide for those less fortunate than ourselves. Indeed many Christians give up what might otherwise have been a life of prosperity to spread God's word and to fulfil His wonderful mission.

So by what right do I introduce the notion that we might be selfish?

The thought took root when I found myself pondering, again, the question of Heaven and Hell. We Christians try to live good lives, but why do we try to live good lives?

We seek to help others, but why do we seek to help others?

Is it because we aspire to be judged favourably and thus to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? And if so could not our motivations be said to be a little - dare I say it - selfish? Does not the whole notion of seeking one's own salvation, albeit by doing good, not fundamentally conflict with the whole ethos of putting others before ourselves?

I am not trying to be contentious or awkward, far less am I seeking to undermine the excellent work that so many do in God's name and in the pursuance of that which is good. If I could be half as dedicated as some of those people I would be a better person than I am now.

But it is still something I find myself reflecting upon. Does anybody feel the urge to reassure me?