Webster’s dictionary provides this entry for the meaning of “selfless”: “having no concern for self; unselfish.”

At least two other qualities are inherent in selflessness:

One is humility.  It has been noted that humility is not thinking less of yourself but not thinking of yourself at all.  Humility causes one to focus on the needs of others, not your own.

Another is love.  Love is putting the needs of others above your own.  That is the highest degree of love – agape love.

If you need a real-life definition of selflessness, consider the life of Brenda Paul.  She was a beloved teacher and friend to many, especially the students, families, and staff of Mobile Christian School, where she taught for over 44 years.

Brenda recently passed from this life on January 22, 2022, at the age of 68.  Thousands are mourning her loss yet celebrating her legacy of loving service – her selflessness.  Here is one of many tributes that has been offered.  It was written by Dalton Adams, MCS class of 2021.

“Miss Paul was one of the most unselfish individuals I’ve known.  She always went out of her way to help others.  She was the last person she was thinking about, because she was so focused on helping others.  She was a true servant not only to her colleagues, but also to her students.  I can’t tell you how many hours she spent helping me with homework, much less her own work she prepared for all her students.  She loved each and every one of her students.  Most importantly, she had a strong love for God.  She was a genuine Christian and sought to bring glory to God in everything she did.  She had been through a lot in her life, but she was thankful and rarely ever complained about her circumstances.  I know many people, including myself, that can say that she was so much more than just a great teacher.  She was truly like family.  I think it’s safe to say that she is being rewarded for her labor.  She is a sweet soul and will be dearly missed.”

Brenda Paul exemplified the love and selflessness of the Lord Jesus.

Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).  With humility and love, Jesus selflessly served others and gave His life for us on the cross to pay the price for our redemption from sin.

God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

When one embraces and embodies the selfless love of Jesus, lives are changed for good and for God.  If you want a real-life example, ask me, Dalton, and thousands of others about Brenda Paul.

-- David A. Sargent

* In loving memory of Brenda Kay Paul (September 16, 1953 ~ January 22, 2022).  Until we meet again.

David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

Archived issues of Living Water can be viewed and accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org