For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are both a statement of fact and a warning.
Paul’s words in this passage are rather stark.
As a believer in Jesus Christ and one who has devoted a large part of his life to following Jesus, this feels like a slap in the face.
Who is he to say that I am looking out for my own interests and not those of Jesus?
Sadly, I have to confess that Paul is right. What he says is true, and it speaks to the essence of Christianity: our fallen nature.
Not everyone will agree with this, but I am convinced that before Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-7), they did not look out for their own interests. The only one they were concerned for, if they were concerned about anything at all, was God.*
In a past meditation, we noted that shame and pride are two sides of the same coin.† When the Bible tells us that they were without shame (Genesis 2:25), I understand that to mean that they were without a sense of self.
When they ate the forbidden fruit, both Adam and Eve suddenly became aware of who they were apart from God. This is because by rebelling, they had, in reality, separated themselves from God.
When we come to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, something magical happens, but it does not take away the curse of self-interest. As long as we live in this body of flesh, we struggle with the self-interest that was promised when Adam and Eve first sinned (Genesis 3:5).
Jesus, by his sacrifice on the cross, makes it possible for us to return to God and be part of his family again, just as Adam and Eve were. It would be nice, in a way, if when we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we could shed this body of flesh off and go directly to heaven. However, God in his wisdom has decided to allow us to remain here in this life for a time.**
While we are here in the flesh, we must constantly choose between life and death, between Jesus Christ and self-interest. This is why Paul writes, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). The “work” that we do is not trying to be perfect under the Law, but to be constantly reliant on Jesus for our Salvation.
Does this make sense?
No, not really, and Paul knows that. This is why he says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Thankfully, salvation and eternal life are not based on our understanding of things we cannot know or understand. It is based on something — or rather someone — we can know, our Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Application: Always be attentive to our Lord Jesus.
Food for Thought: What is the danger of relaxing our attention and indulging our self-interest?
*I feel I need to add a note here — it is important to understand that God and Jesus are one and the same (John 10:30), and that the Holy Spirit is God’s spiritual nature expressed in a way that we can understand. Thus, when we use the word “God,” we are really referring to all three, especially in our discussion of creation (See John 1:1-18). [Comment updated – je]
†See “Philippians 2:10a – Of Self and Sin”
**See Romans 6-8
What is the danger of relaxing our attention and indulging our self-interest?
Your question reminded me of this passage:
Matthew 14:28-31 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
When we relax our attention and begin to indulge ourselves, we begin to rely on ourselves. When we rely on ourselves, we begin to recognize our own shortcomings, and doubt and fear enter our heart. Doubt and fear cause us to act contrary to how God intends, and we become ineffective for Christ. Our motivations shift, our behavior shifts, and it makes a difference in how brightly Christ shines through us.
Chris,
Thank you! The story of Peter walking on the water is a GREAT illustration of today’s meditation.
What is the danger of relaxing our attention and indulging our self-interest?
Genesis 3:6-7, When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Our thoughts, desires are taken from serving God, to serving self and drawing others into following our example. Brings life to the old saying, “ Misery loves company.”
Thank you, Ron!
Interesting observation! 🙂
I have to say that I think the Holy Spirit is a lot more than a concept. He is personal and He is God. He is a separate Person in the Godhead, just like the Father and the Son. I think scripture makes that clear. As Jesus made clear in John Chapters 14 – 16; Mathew 28: 19, etc.
But to the question: If we indulge our self interests apart from God, the sinful, carnal nature will take over and we will hurt ourselves and others. We will also tend to go further and further down that road and become completely self-absorbed.
Thank you, Rich!
Yes … in the end, we hurt ourselves if we turn away from God.
As to your comment on the Holy Spirit, I agree. I did not mean to reduce God to a “concept.” I apologize, sincerely, if my words left that impression.
No worries brother. I was just clarifying precisely because I know that isn’t what you believe. Peace to you.
Hi – new to the treeminutebible community. Love this post and the responses – super spot on. Wondering if there’s a practical side to this. How do I as a believer deny indulging in my own self interest? It’s the same as denying my flesh right?
Hi Lucy!
Thanks for joining in! Great question!
As much as I would love to give you a simple answer, I want to be cautious.
Part of the answer is learning to recognize the difference between serving “self-interest” and serving God. Money is a good example.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
Money itself is not evil, but the “love of money” is a root of evil.
Jesus tells us to love God above all else and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Allowing ourselves to “love” money serves our self-interest. Being a good steward of money honors God (Matthew 25:14-30).
I hope this helps!