BSF Week 2: Greater, less and the lesson in selflessness

Week two of Bible study passed much more smoothly than week one, perhaps due to preparedness. One of the greater challenges has been to maintain an open mind in hopes of applying some of the great life-lessons present in the Bible and put aside disgust for organized religion.
Although not completely convinced of the spirituality of Jesus and God, Jesus' teachings, and the events surrounding his time here, are timeless and have thus far proved introspective. John the Baptist has become a favorite character of mine, as has "doubting Thomas." John the Baptist because of his unquestioning loyalty, devotion and selflessness, and Thomas because of his questions and need for concrete, physical evidence.
John knows his entire life that he is serving one purpose: to make a path for Jesus' arrival. His comment, "He must become greater, I must become less" (John 3:30) speaks of his devotion to Jesus, but also inspires placing others before ourselves. If this Christian belief were more wide-spread, perhaps there would be less need for government intervention because the world would be filled with Mother Theresas.
On a personal scale, Dad brought my own selfishness to my attention and (unintentionally) made me realize that my perspective of "selfishness" was mainly in relation to tangible objects (the child's version of selfish ... not sharing toys). I always wonder how my family is always calling me selfish when I have minimal possessions, never ask for anything, etc. However, family demands time. Perhaps it is flattering that there exists a group of people happy simply with presence. Friends are the same way, and we Boulderites are potentially the worst group of people when it comes to spending time with friends. I've heard people admit (and others who just do this unintentionally) that they make multiple commitments to friends for the same time-slot and pick whatever is most interesting or sounds like the most fun at the time. I can't think of a more selfish mindset. What's worse, I'm guilty.
So, although that was quite a tangent, John the Baptist has led to reassessing priorities with friends and family in an effort to put others first, and at least be honest and realistic with time management.
More on Thomas later ...