We live in a dog-eat-dog world. Everyone is fighting for a more significant piece of the pie, whether it is power, money, recognition, influence, or peach pie. 

To a certain extent, our drive to look out for our best interests is part of our evolutionary genetic makeup. I don’t think the human species would have survived if every one of our ancient forebearers thought first of the interest of the Tyrannosaurus Rex’s hunger than their own lives. We are born to look out for ourselves for survival and to care for those we love. 

However, our modern-day impulses have driven us to a place where we are constantly motivated socially, economically, politically, and even spiritually to be self-centered. 

But what if selfishness was not actually in our best interest? What if selfishness leads to a lower quality of health? 

“Some scholars have argued for years that humans are not naturally selfless. And some social scientists went beyond this claim, saying that pure altruism does not exist. Survival, not a virtue, is what motivates us,” said Richard Lui on the CBF Podcast Conversation. 

We sat down with the MSNBC journalist, Emmy, and Peabody winner, to discuss his new book, “Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness.” 

“Gratitude stands on the shoulders of selflessness since you can’t be grateful if you believe people owe you something. Gratitude requires the death of entitlement, which is then replace by the awe of generosity.”

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This podcast episode is brought to you by The Center for Congregational Health, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, and McAfee School of Theology Doctor of Ministry program.

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Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following eight years as the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton and five years as CBF’s church start specialist. Follow on Twitter @haleandy