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The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association sponsors Power Weekend and celebration to award top African Americans including Tom Joyner, Pastors Lyle & Deborah Dukes, Grammy nominated R&B singing group, Az Yet and Gospel Legend Marvin Winans, May 2nd – 4th in Atlanta, Georgia

More than 400 African-American leaders are expected from across the country to participate in the Power Weekend sponsored by the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss progress and future strategy concerning the “Power to End Stroke” campaign in the African American community.

According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, the burden of stroke is greater among African-Americans than any other ethnic group in America. Blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared to whites, and blacks 34-54 years old have four times the relative risk for stroke. More than 100,000 African-Americans have a stroke each year and many don't know that they are at risk. The American Stroke Association states that stroke is the number 3 killer in the United States and a leading cause of disability.

Power Weekend is a forum for key opinion leaders brought together to network and share ideas for propelling the Power To End Stroke movement forward. It’s an event to unveil successes, share the future direction and award Ambassadors who have dramatically heightened stroke awareness among African Americans. Leaders from across the country will discuss the devastation of stroke in the black community and devise ways to fight it.

The weekend will also include the 2nd Annual Power Awards on Friday, May 2nd. The purpose of the award ceremony is to recognize individuals whose words, hard work and dedication toward fighting stroke in the black community have ignited passion and helped to educate and save lives countless of African Americans. National honorees include:

Platinum-selling, Grammy nominated R&B singing group, Az Yet
Pastors Lyle and Deborah Dukes
Healthy Horizons Magazine
Senator Constance “Connie” Johnson
Tom Joyner
Dr. Emil Matarese
Pastor Marvin L. Winans
The Word Network
“African-Americans are at a particularly higher risk for stroke because of their increased risk for hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Through the Power To End Stroke campaign, we are teaching people how to reduce these and other stroke risks. We are also teaching our population how to recognize five simple signs of stroke and to understand that getting to the hospital immediately can potentially reduce the pain and suffering from stroke," said Emil Matarese, M.D., clinical neurologist, St. Mary's Medical Center, Langhorne, PA and a National Power honoree.
Power Weekend Schedule

May 2–4, 2008 at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia
Power Awards Gala • Friday, May 2, 7:00 pm
National Honorees:
Platinum-selling, Grammy nominated R&B singing group Az Yet
Pastors Lyle and Deborah Dukes
Healthy Horizons Magazine
Senator Constance “Connie” Johnson
Tom Joyner
Dr. Emil Matarese
Pastor Marvin L. Winans
The Word Network
Power Networking Luncheon • Saturday, May 3, 11:00 am
Ona Brown – Luncheon Keynote Speaker
Luncheon Breakout Sessions:
Health Disparities
Hypertension
Obesity
Nutrition/Diabetes
Power Concert • Saturday, May 3, 8:00 pm
featuring Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore
Hyatt Regency Atlanta • 265 Peachtree Street, NE • International Ballroom

Power Sunday Church Service • Sunday, May 4, 10:30 am
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta – Bishop Eddie Long, Pastor
For more information please call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE or visit www.strokeassociation.org/power to:
 Take the stroke pledge to begin the journey to reduce stroke risk
 Receive free information about African-Americans and stroke
 Find out how to reduce stroke in the community through the Power To End Stroke campaign.

The Power To End Stroke campaign is supported nationally by the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership.

Pastor Dukes, I appreciate your truthfulness. I appreciate you passing this truth on to us and opening our eyes to issues that lie deep within us. Making us take a good look at ourselves and examine how we affect each other and our community. God bless you.

Thank you Pastor Dukes for your insight, on what I believe to be one of the most important yet under represented topics in the lives of people today. Just as in the clinical psychology field one is not diagnosed with a disorder unless it interrupts the daily activities of a person. This allows for excuses to be given to behaviors on the grounds of it not being severe enough. You hit it right on target when you said “any sin can be as bad as the next depending on its influence with a particular person” Wow! That is powerful because it challenges us to look inward at our motivation when trying to understand the severity of our sins. Are we doing it for selfish reasons? If so, we should reconsider the weight we put on these so called "venial" sins.

Pastor Dukes, you have awaken many through your timely message. I myself am reminded of a conversation I've had with one a few months ago, in which I stated that there was something missing in my walk - that I knew I wasn't fully operating in my purpose because of my own selfishness. My inference is beyond the obvious wants and needs of man's existence – (The American Dream, the material possessions, the physical and mental fulfillment, and destructive desires), but addresses the subtleties that hinder us. The self-centeredness that hinders us from operating outside of on own lives, and move with the compassion and understanding of another human being. It is very true that we go through our daily lives so sedative to the effects of selfishness that we have fooled ourselves to believe that we have every right to think, feel and do as we wish, not realizing that every decision that we make not only effects us individually, but also our families, our communities our economics and our environment.
Yes, the current state of this world in which we inhabit is a direct result of an infectious root called selfishness. We must remove the root to stop the growth of the infection.
For whatever we find that is good in the world, let us asks ourselves – “What was my contribution?”

I totally agree with you Pastor Dukes. Selfishness is an infection that plagues our society. We (our society) are so use to “looking out for self”, we fail to realize our selfish acts effects us and our whole environment. Reading your article opens my eyes to some selfish acts of my own that is effecting my spiritual disposition. You have certainly encouraged me to make changes. Thank you Pastor Dukes! May God Continue To Bless You and Your Ministry!

Pastor Dukes

What you have said is so very true. I agree that selfishness is the root of wrong doing and lies under the surface unexposed. Most people focus only on the external things that people can see, but how further we would be along if we spent more time dealing with the root.

Thank you for speaking the truth and challenging the readers to deal with the root.

God Bless You and Your Ministry!

Thank you Pastor Dukes! What a truly enlighting article. Selfish is as selfish does. Being a unmarried, childless woman I have always been selfish,I thought it was okay to be that way. It was a lifestyle, looking back on that time I can see where sin was running amuck in my life.
Thank you again, Diane Simmons

I Found this article to be very interesting,it invokes one to really think about just how selfish we are.It is a rare subject for anyone to even talk about much less write and encourage comments. "Bravo" Pastor Dukes you have caused me to see that I am so selfish that even as I read the article I could think of so many " selfish" people that I wanted to share this with. My intention was to help them identify "their" problem,little did I know I have a pole in my eye.Thank you for your bravery and insight.

I Found this article to be very interesting,it invokes one to really think about just how selfish we are.It is a rare subject for anyone to even talk about much less write and encourage comments. "Bravo" Pastor Dukes you have caused me to see that I am so selfish that even as I read the article I could think of so many " selfish" people that I wanted to share this with. My intention was to help them identify "their" problem,little did I know I have a pole in my eye.Thank you for your bravery and insight.

I Found this article to be very interesting,it invokes one to really think about just how selfish we are.It is a rare subject for anyone to even talk about much less write and encourage comments. "Bravo" Pastor Dukes you have caused me to see that I am so selfish that even as I read the article I could think of so many " selfish" people that I wanted to share this with. My intention was to help them identify "their" problem,little did I know I have a pole in my eye.Thank you for your bravery and insight.

A sin is a sin is a sin. No it's not fair to categorize some sin above others as Pastors Duke further explains in his article. In my expierience of talking with people we as people do feel that one sin is not as bad as the other and we try rationalizing it because it's our own sin and it doesn't count as much. Sounds like one of the vices that Pastor mentioned, yes that's the one the big one selfishness. However I do believe that thier are different levels of sin but all sin have consequences. Just as every action has an outcome rather good or bad their is an outcome. Just as every seed has a harvest some bloom and flourish and some wither up and die before it has a chance to produce the harvest. One thing we have to keep in mind is that a sin may start out as a minor but could end up as a mortal, I'm sure we all can relate on that level considering our own experiences in life with sin and if you can't just keep living beloveth you will in due season.

Blessings Pastor,

I wholeheartedly agree. I believe that this is one of the reasons we are required to die to ourselves on a daily basis. When we allow ourselves to be crucified with Christ our fleshly desires are covered under the blood, leaving our Saviors' thoughts to reign within us giving us the victory over Satan. Surrending all to him whether it be pride,jealousy or selfishness enables us to walk circumspectly in the world so ultimately his spirit becomes infectious to society.

Our sinful nature is the complete opposite to God's nature. He gave his only begotten son to die on the cross for us which embodies selflessness, putting us before him. That will forever be the example in which we should live by.

Thank you Pastor for continuing to carry the burden of our souls! That is truly a selfless act!

Blessings Pastor,

I wholeheartedly agree. I believe that this is one of the reasons we are required to die to ourselves on a daily basis. When we allow ourselves to be crucified with Christ our fleshly desires are covered under the blood, leaving our Saviors' thoughts to reign within us giving us the victory over Satan. Surrending all to him whether it be pride,jealousy or selfishness enables us to walk circumspectly in the world so ultimately his spirit becomes infectious to society.

Our sinful nature is the complete opposite to God's nature. He gave his only begotten son to die on the cross for us which embodies selflessness, putting us before him. That will forever be the example in which we should live by.

Thank you Pastor for continuing to carry the burden of our souls! That is truly a selfless act!

I never related selfishness with sin. I always thought that human beings were born selfish and that's just the way it goes, but after reading this blog I can see that every sin does start with a sefish thought. We normally do it to please ourselves first. We really don't think about the effects of our sin until after we see how it affected everyone else.

My comment concerning the article,"The Infection of Society" is-I agree that the root of all sin stems from our human behavioral sin like nature of selfishness which is an infectious diease. I think selfishness and self-centeredness are two territoral breeding grounds for sin. Their manipulated cunning tactics go hand in hand like two tightly fitted gloves. Selfishness and Self-centeredness actually have a motivated-come-to-mind(not Jesus)-meeting before executing the game plan...sin. It's like having a motivated pep rally within your mind. You pump your(self) up (pride) before going after the winning prize...(sin). On another note, I do agree that any sin can be as bad as next. I also think that society categorized sin as if it's a bargaining chip or a monopoly game...deal or no deal. Whether big or small, short or tall, white or black the thought and act of sin is just what it is...plain-ole sin from beginning to end-you can't win. Sin can not be mesured; even on a scale from 1-10. For the Bible, says, In Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin (not some sin, or small sin) is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Peace Out

My comment concerning the article,"The Infection of Society" is-I agree that the root of all sin stems from our human behavioral sin like nature of selfishness which is an infectious diease. I think selfishness and self-centeredness are two territoral breeding grounds for sin. Their manipulated cunning tactics go hand in hand like two tightly fitted gloves. Selfishness and Self-centeredness actually have a motivated-come-to-mind(not Jesus)-meeting before executing the game plan...sin. It's like having a motivated pep rally within your mind. You pump your(self) up (pride) before going after the winning prize...(sin). On another note, I do agree that any sin can be as bad as next. I also think that society categorized sin as if it's a bargaining chip or a monopoly game...deal or no deal. Whether big or small, short or tall, white or black the thought and act of sin is just what it is...plain-ole sin from beginning to end-you can't win. Sin can not be mesured; even on a scale from 1-10. For the Bible, says, In Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin (not some sin, or small sin) is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Peace Out

My comment concerning the article,"The Infection of Society" is-I agree that the root of all sin stems from our human behavioral sin like nature of selfishness which is an infectious diease. I think selfishness and self-centeredness are two territoral breeding grounds for sin. Their manipulated cunning tactics go hand in hand like two tightly fitted gloves. Selfishness and Self-centeredness actually have a motivated-come-to-mind(not Jesus)-meeting before executing the game plan...sin. It's like having a motivated pep rally within your mind. You pump your(self) up (pride) before going after the winning prize...(sin). On another note, I do agree that any sin can be as bad as next. I also think that society categorized sin as if it's a bargaining chip or a monopoly game...deal or no deal. Whether big or small, short or tall, white or black the thought and act of sin is just what it is...plain-ole sin from beginning to end-you can't win. Sin can not be mesured; even on a scale from 1-10. For the Bible, says, In Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin (not some sin, or small sin) is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Peace Out

Thank you Pastor Dukes for the revelation that selfishness is the root of all sin. You've given us insight on another level of why pride, selfishness, self centeredness, coveting that of another, stealing, intolerance, impatience, and the like has become so common place in our society. There is also the mindset of entitlement. Because there is the attitude that it's "all about me" and what I want, we as a society have become the "ID" generation. "I Demand." The up and coming generations have taken this to a dangerous level. We must examine ourselves, being first partakers, as we strive to uproot these traits and see promise for a better today and tomorrow.

What a great realization about selfishness! I know when I tell little "white lies" I really think I'm protecting that person's feeling when I am truly holding back a very important thing from that person...honesty. It's very hard to be 100% truthful with your loved ones ESPECIALLY when deep down inside you don't agree with what they may be saying/doing. And sometimes I even think that life would be better when I'm 100% honest with every person that I come across on a daily basis..it would almost be a big relief. But that's really tough...I'll be praying about that!

Unfortunately, I think that most people never realize the acts or actions that we perform every day is a result of our selfish nature. When a child takes a toy from another child it is because they want it now. When we as adults take what does not belong to us because we want it now it takes on a whole new perspective. Thank you for opening the eyes and hearts to see and hear how we look and sound.

God Bless You and Harvest!

Unfortunately, I think that most people never realize the acts or actions that we perform every day is a result of our selfish nature. When a child takes a toy from another child it is because they want it now. When we as adults take what does not belong to us because we want it now it takes on a whole new perspective. Thank you for opening the eyes and hearts to see and hear how we look and sound.

God Bless You and Harvest!

It wasn’t until recently that I truly understood the correlation between sin and SELFISHNESS. After reading this article, I have now been challenged to further evaluate the root of my sins; in every area! Yes, selfishness is the obvious root linked to “common” sins such as lying and cheating, but when truly analyzed, “It appears, at least to me that selfishness is the seed of all sin; murder, robbery, lying, cheating, road rage, child abuse, embezzlement, discrimination, hatred and the list goes on.” one can see that ALL sin circles back to the sinners heart in the form of SELFISHNESS. We want what we want when we want it, and some are willing to risk satisfying the flesh at any cause.

This is an awesome article! Truly enlightening!

Yes Yes Yes, I must say I too have been selfish in many ways throughout my life, and as I look back on my life I was selfish for reasons I don't even know why I was selfish, Ofcourse I was one of those kids that Never wanted to share my toys with other kids ,especially when I was the only kid in the house and my mother would say let your friends play with your toy's , to myself I thought is she crazy these are MINE . on a more serious note , I can't even begin to count the times I have been selfish or committed other sins, But I DO know that I have become a better person in life and I value others and have respect for others and I have Respect for myself, the way I did things in the pass, I know NOW that I did many things wrong, to other's and especially to myself, but thank you Jesus I have made a complete turn around in my life for the Better, I know longer think of just myself , I put other's first and I have compassion, life can be tricky , but if you have the faith and want to DO right , and have the teachers to give you the guidance , and you beleive, you can change , thank you Pastor Dukes ,for your teachings , I can actually say that I love myself for who I'am today,

This article by Pastor Dukes is good practical teaching for everyday living and right on time. As people, we do tend to think our sin is not as bad as someone else's sin so then we see ourselves as "not so bad". However, every sin is bad and takes us a step away from the presence of God.

I thank the Lord that Pastor Dukes is illuminating the fact that selfishness is the nucleus, the "seed of all sin", to the body of Christ. Knowing that selfishness is the seed of all sin enables us to focus on what we must endeavor to overcome.

Again, selfishness being this seed of all sin, that quickly takes root in our character, means that society makes excuses for symptoms rather than correctly diagnosing and eradicating the true illness of a lot of character issues; the road rage, lying, cheating, embezzlement, hatred, etc. as listed above.

With this article, Pastor Dukes has undoubtedly brought this illness of society, to the forefront.

This insightful teaching helps us to tweak our discernment and introspective look at ourselves. What lies beneath our actions; is it charity that we really give? Are we really making decisions in the best interest for the team? or Is it selfishness that motivates us?

Pastor Dukes is one of God's trailblazers and gives God's word life application for ministry leaders and parishioners alike.

This article by Pastor Dukes is good practical teaching for everyday living and right on time. As people, we do tend to think our sin is not as bad as someone else's sin so then we see ourselves as "not so bad". However, every sin is bad and takes us a step away from the presence of God.

I thank the Lord that Pastor Dukes is illuminating the fact that selfishness is the nucleus, the "seed of all sin", to the body of Christ. Knowing that selfishness is the seed of all sin enables us to focus on what we must endeavor to overcome.

Again, selfishness being this seed of all sin, means that society makes excuses for symptoms rather than correctly diagnosing and eradicating the true illness of a lot of character issues; the road rage, lying, cheating, embezzlement, hatred, etc. as listed above.

With this article, Pastor Dukes has undoubtedly brought this illness of society, to the forefront.

This insightful teaching helps us to tweak our discernment and introspective look at ourselves. What lies beneath our actions; is it charity that we really give? Are we really making decisions in the best interest for the team? or Is it selfishness that motivates us?

Pastor Dukes is one of God's trailblazers and gives God's word life application for ministry leaders and parishioners alike.

Pastor Dukes, your commentary was right on the mark. I do agree that selfishness is the main root to sin. Jesus left us the greatest commandment and it was "To love one another." If we did that then there wouldn't be anyroom for selfishness. I thank God for you and your ministry. You have given me something to work on (ME). May God continually to bless and keep you. Keep On preaching TRUTH.

Selfishness will ruin the best intentions and the more noble aspirations. It rips us from becoming a society that is connected to one another - and separates us to our on isle.

Selfishness will ruin the best intentions and the more noble aspirations. It rips us from becoming a society that is connected to one another - and separates us to our on isle.

And I think it infinitely more complex.

The only problem I see with talk like this is that people figure that submission (or domination in the name of a particular God) is the same thing as 'not sinning through pride.'

I think the best lesson of all my Gods and teachers, be those teachers representatives of my religion is this: human virtue and divine grace, these are not about 'sin,' rather, that if there are dualistic forces at all in these ways, these are best described as 'love' and 'fear.'

Fear of 'sin' is *not* Love, and if I were to be 'betting' my soul (if I thought the universe were really taking bets,) that's one thing I'd say you could make book on.

There's a lot of people who talk about their various measures they think protect them *against* this thing they believe in called 'sin,' but, really, if you want to get that abstract... may as well ask, and talk about, 'Is this from fear, or is this from love?'

Some will *rationalize* that what they do out of fear constitutes 'love,' ...according to their books, but I for one think it's simpler than that.

Baptism changes nothing. Hell is full of people who were baptized. But two things work salvation for a human being and people who weren't. The first is Christ's death on the cross the second is the awakening of the human heart by the Holy Spirit.

Baptism for an adult is but an outward sign of an inward change that has already taken place. For an infant is is little more than a ceremony where in the Child's parents promise with God's help to raise their child up in the way he should go.

Even as a non-believer I really appreciate and even agree with Pastor Dukes' article. So many of the ills that exist in society are caused by a focus on self instead of a focus on others. Thank you for the excellent commentary!!

On a side note, I do wish to question New Christian on his statement:

"How can we express this to our pagan family
and friends without them getting hostile? You
are so right Pastor, but to explain the ills
of ourselves and our society is almost
impossible it seems."

Why would non-christians be hostile in response to these ideas? (I assumed that "pagan" was an umbrella term you used for non-christians, if I am incorrect and your family members truly are wiccans,druids, neo-pagans etc... please do not take offense)I am a non-christian and yet I am not offended. Unless the ideas are presented in an atmosphere of hostility or as an attack there doesn't seem to be a reason to respond with hostility.

Perhaps if you approach this topic not as a christian thought but as something that should be universal to all faiths, you might encounter less resistance. I think Gary D actually stated this really well when he said:

"Most of the worlds longest lasting religions
- religions which under the surface have
little else in common share one thing in that
all of them reference, at least in passing,
the need to get beyond the self; to move
beyond mere selfishness as a reason for
existence."

Its amazing that despite the MANY disagreements between the faiths, there are many things that we can agree on. In inter-faith discussion we should focus on those things, and this is a perfect example of something we can agree on.

Way to go Pastor Duke!

Very interesting.

Very interesting.

Very interesting.

Right on! Categorizing sins is counterproductive. Who do you suppose is behind doing that? Could it possibly be the Devil, Lucifer?

God only threw Adam and Eve out of the garden for their sin, our original sin so I've heard which is washed away by something as simple as Baptism. Not much in the way of punishment.

Cain murdered his brother in a jealous rage and God only banished him. He must have led the good life in the big house he built in the land of Nod. Doesn't sound very punishing to me.

And everyone has head the story of Jesus saving the adulteress from being stoned with, "let him who is stoned cast the first sin." Is there something wrong with that?

So disobeying God, murder, adultery and any sin according to theologians God forgives or at least applies minimum punishment. But there is one story from sacred scriptures that leads us to the most grievous sin of them all, (and there are a lot of sins) Devil worship that does not even make a category heading at this forum.

God condemned the Devil, Lucifer by name to hell and all who worshiped him as well. Note the stiff punishment for Devil worship and compare it to what God does about violations of the 7 deadly sins, Adam and Eve, Cain and many other documented sinners.

Full Lucifer story at http://www.hoax-buster.org/sellyoursoul in case you never heard, (usually left out of theological training courses).

I know you say, shout, sing and even scream, "God" but the individual you have in mind is the supernatural critter in the burning bush, the one Moses made the deal with. Let me remind you that calling Lucifer God does not make Lucifer God, (like he wants to be) but it does make Him happy. I'd say that at present Lucifer is one happy Devil for 86% of Americans alone call Him God.

But saying the word God and meaning the being in the burning bush, Lucifer can hardly make God any happier than God was with the angels that did the same thing, called Lucifer God. They are now known to be devils and they roam the earth, use magic advertised to be miracles and trick folks into committing the most grievous of sins, calling Lucifer God. It's trivial punishments and forgiveness for violations of the 7 deadly sins and hell for violations of the sin carelessly left out of the list, Devil worship.

So I suggest that Lucifer, the 'would-be' God who's activities are documented in the Bible that's behind categorizing sins in the first place. That way he got to decide which ones would be put in and which 'one' would be left out.

It is interesting is it not? Most of the worlds longest lasting religion - religions which under the surface have little else in common share one thin in that all of them reference, at least in passing, the need to get beyond the self; to move beyond mere selfishness as a reason for existence.

The problem for us human beings is that we can never, while we live enshrouded in this fleshly veil consumed by it's needs and wants, wholly manage it. This is why the Bible speaks in full truth "...all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God."

How amazing and true. How can we express this to our pagan family and friends without them getting hostile? You are so right Pastor, but to explain the ills of ourselves and our society is almost impossible it seems.

Absolutely correct! Pride and selfishness can affect the greatest to the least. Even the greatest world leader has the potential to destroy the welfare under the influence of pride. Nebuchadnezzar went from a royal king to a barbarian roaming the fields like a beast such that "his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws." This article causes you to look beyond the obvious sins into the root of all sin as the Bible states, "the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life". Thank you for this thought-provoking platform!

Do appreciate the insight. We could all stand to be less selfish.

Definitely the best article on this subject yet!

As a non-believer, I personally don't like the word "sin", but I can define it as moral offenses which are unattractive in all people, believer or not.

Pastor Dukes, you are teaching here! I, too, after reading your commentary, stopped to think about the sins with which I have struggled and continue to struggle. They all go directly to selfishness. In the past, because of selfishness, I was a shallow Christian with no substance. I thank you for bringing that matter to my attention. I know I must remove "self" from the equation to have the balance of a truly victorious life.

I find Pastor Duke's commentary very insightful and necessary in that it uncovers a dangerous yet often overlooked root to sin, that being selfishness. I found myself thinking of all types of sin, even sins I've committed (too many to begin to count) and the underlying cause was selfishness. Never thought of it that way before, but it's true. Thank you Pastor Dukes for shedding light on this issue of sin and allowing readers to deal with the truth of the matter.

Garyd, you are onto something here. So many of the deadly sins are named by words that also describe legitimate emotions that their proper meaning is subsumed by popular confusions. Pride, as an emotion, is really what is better thought of as satisfaction. There is nothing immoral about being satisfied, and in that sense proud, of our children, of our home or town, of our work, etc. It is only when we begin to become self-satisfied that we border upon the outer reaches of that country of the sin of Pride. This petty degree of Pride is generally refered to as Vanity, and it is a much sillier and more forgiveable thing than the most profound degree of Pride, which might be called Diabolical Revolt.

The question has been interesting to follow on the boards because in people's groping for the most profound of the sins, many put forward as objectively the worst whichever sin has personally vexed them the most. Some put forward the sins that bother them in themselves the most; others put forward the sins they see in others the most clearly. My spiritual director has told me that since we see in others what we refuse to see in ourselves, the speck in another's eye is useful for identifying the log in our own. Most tellingly, a number of bloggers have put forward the idea that there is no sin.

As for me, while I admit that Pride is the deadliest and root of sins, in my own life, the deadly sins that have vexed me the most are anger, lust, and even more profoundly, envy. My entire life God has permitted me to struggle with these lesser roots of sin, and given me grace to overcome the temptations they inspire, when I will.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, make our hearts like unto Thine. Amen.

Yet every sin has in common selfishness and most begin with simple envy. And to take pride in having done something worthwhile and done it well is no big deal Pride as in Hubris almost certainly is and I suspect that hubris would actually be a better word for what the Bible is referencing here.

I too believe that sin is sin no matter what form it's presented in and one should not be given more esteem over another. It is true though that selfishness lies at the root of sin. We have adapted the "It's all about me" motto for our lives which has led to the insensitity for others goals, dreams, needs and desires. If we take a moment to place ourselves in the shoes of someone else and think about or ask, "How would I feel if...?, What would I do if...?, it would allow us to think less of ourselves. Of course this is a hard thing to do when you've been accustomed to selfishness, but with prayer, commitment and determination, you can overcome this innate quality.

Wow!!! Let's face it, we've all sinned and unfortunately, we continue to do so... but why? And it's easy to say, because of Adam and Eve, and because we're human, that's what we do... but when you really think about it, it really is because of selfishness. If we thought about others before ourselves, if we helped others instead of just helping ourselves, if we acknowledged the good about others, before we acknowledged ourselves, then maybe that would help us to be a little bit more like Jesus. Great article!!!

This is an insightful article, Pastor Dukes. It serves not only as a reminder of the effects that sin has on individuals, our communities and the entire world but also of the selflessness of God to provide a means by which we can overcome our sins through Jesus Christ.

God Bless

This is an insightful article, Pastor Dukes. It serves not only as a reminder of the effects that sin has on individuals, our communities and the entire world but also of the selflessness of God to provide a means by which we can overcome our sins through Jesus Christ.

God Bless

Thank you for this wonderful post. Sometimes it seems that all calm and reason is pushed to the side by a single-minded desire to acquire. Our lives can be so centered around the constant search for something that may or may not satisfy us. To learn how to put our desires below another's needs is something that we have to work at constantly but is a necessary part of becoming spiritually mature. Thanks again for helping me to undestand that the root of many issues faced are caused by pure selfishness.

Take Care and God Bless.

Thank you for this wonderful post. Sometimes it seems that all calm and reason is pushed to the side by a single-minded desire to acquire. Our lives can be so centered around the constant search for something that may or may not satisfy us. To learn how to put our desires below another's needs is something that we have to work at constantly but is a necessary part of becoming spiritually mature. Thanks again for helping me to undestand that the root of many issues faced are caused by pure selfishness.

Take Care and God Bless.

Pastor Dukes,

This is an excellent write up on the root of sin! Selfishness is responsible for many of the problems we face in society. Coporate greed, corrupt morals, sexual immorality, increase in crime, etc. all can be traced back to selfishness. I see how selfishness has influenced our economy and world affairs. How can we personally make an impact to reverse these effects on a national scale?

You hit the nail on the head!! I totally agree that selfishness is the underlying cause of all of the sin that we see in the world today. If we (people in general) would deal with this root cause as well as treat the symptoms (murder, lying, etc.), maybe we'd make more progress. Thank you for exposing this stealthy trait of selfishness for what it is.

God bless you and your ministry!