THE VERSE
They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.~Philippians 2:21
THE THOUGHT
What are the differences between seeking your own interests, and seeking those of Jesus? Self-interest, as the word suggests, is centered on self. Self-interest can take many different forms. It might look like pursuing selfish, material gain at the expense of others, or perhaps the husband who comes home from the office and spends the rest of the evening relaxing in front of the television with no strength or desire to invest in his family. It could be using your money the same way that everyone else uses their money-- for themselves, for their comfort, for more possessions, nicer cars, bigger houses, more luxurious vacations. Self-interest can take many different forms.But before you write off self-interest as the malady of the unwashed masses and not pertinent to your soul, consider this sobering warning: Paul is speaking of his companions here. These are the people who accompany him, perhaps even on his missionary journeys. But he tells the Philippians that these companions, unlike his beloved Timothy, are not "genuinely concerned for your welfare." They may even appear to be concerned for the Philippians' welfare, but Paul sees through their ruse, and says that they are self-centered and self-concerned. Just like those in chapter 1 who "preach Christ from envy and rivalry," they might look good on the outside, but nothing good is happening on the inside.
This is an important reminder about self-centeredness versus Christ-centeredness. It primarily speaks of the condition of your heart, not the amount of "selfless" works you perform. Even full-time church workers can do their work from a desire to be admired and praised and appreciated. We must ask for the Holy Spirit's help to change our hearts, so that the greatest gain that we long for is to see Jesus Christ admired and praised and appreciated far above us. That is what it means to seek the interests of Christ: to seek, whether by life or death, work or leisure, eating or drinking, in solitude or before the multitude, to see Jesus Christ glorified and made much of. This is what God is seeking; let us join Him in His great global campaign to glorify His Son by committing our lives, in the smallest of ways, to exalting Jesus Christ.
THE PRAYER
Jesus, Forgive me for my deep-rooted desire for self-glorification. Even when I am serving you, I know that my best deeds are polluted with selfish interests. Forgive and cleanse and empower me to seek Your interests and Your glory as the passionate goal of my entire life. I want to see You made much of; be exalted in my life.EXTENDED READING
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1Philippians 1:20-23
Philippians 2:19-24
THE QUOTE
"The value of God shines brightly in the soul that finds deepest satisfaction in him." ~John Piper
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