Self-interest

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Self-interest can be both good and bad, depending on the context.

It's important to distinguish between healthy self-interest, which involves pursuing one's own goals while respecting the needs and rights of others plus contributing to their well-being, as opposed to selfishness, which prioritises one's desires at the expense of others (Phil 2:1-5). Maintaining a balanced approach that recognises both self-interest and the necessity for empathy and selflessness is necessary. This entails identifying methods to accomplish personal objectives while also considering the welfare of others and being aware of the broader societal impact of our actions. So, acting in ways that benefit both us and society is important.

When self becomes our sole priority, with little or no regard for others, our lives become unbalanced, and all our relationships suffer. This wrong self-interest often causes us to ‘skew the facts’ to our advantage, which is dangerous. Giving a false report in the belief this would gain favour did not result in the desired personal reward for the Amalekite who killed Saul (2 Sam 1:2-16). Haman and the rulers opposed to Daniel also had wrong motives, endeavouring to gain the advantage by putting others down, but they brought about their own destruction (Est 5:11-14, 9:25; Dan 6:3-24).

Complaining or a “what’s in it for me” attitude are also symptoms of improper self-interest, rather than working together for a common cause with a servant's heart of gratitude. Even in Christian work, it is possible to have a hidden agenda of personal honour or recognition when each person is focused on their gain without the right motivation to bring glory to God (Isa 56:11; Act 8:18-24).

Being a close follower of Jesus and trying to protect one’s petty selfish interests are incompatible. He said, “If anyone would come after me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever

Do I put God or myself first?

loses his life for me will save it” (Lk 9:23,24). This is partly outworked as sacrificing personal inconsequential self-interests for the joint benefit of the masses.

Conflicts and unanswered prayers are often the result of self-centred motives as individuals prioritise their interests, not those of others or Christ, and this will be to their detriment (Phil 2:4,21; 2 Tim 3:2; Jas 4:1-3). We must live by the principle of treating others as we would like to be treated, for by blessing others, we will likewise receive blessing (Prov 11:24,25; Lk 6:31,38). Can we realistically expect to be treated differently from how we treat others? Jesus told a parable to illustrate this (Mt 18:21-35). Wise advice from the Bible says, do not exalt yourself, but let others honour you if they consider it appropriate, or else you will be humiliated when others don’t see things from your perspective (Prov 25:6,7,27; Lk 14:7-11).

By honouring God through our tithes and devotion, we transcend self-interest. God acknowledges such actions with promised blessings (Mal 3:10-12,16-18). Our motive to obey God should be our love for Him, not because of the consequences of disobedience, yet either way it’s in our best interest to do things His way!” Those who honour God He will honour” (1 Sam 2:30; Mk 10:29,30). Why be stubborn and think you can do better than the creator does or rebel against His ways that will prevail? God’s ways are the opposite of the world's humanistic ways. By putting Him first, all the other things will be taken care of (Mt 6:33). This requires us to step out in faith, acting before there is the promised consequence, yet He always keeps His word (Ps 89:34).

Jesus saying, “Not my will but yours be done” resulted in the offer of salvation for humanity and an eternal inheritance of redeemed people for Him. However, those who are self-seeking and reject the truth will experience eternal damnation (Lk 22:42; Rom 2:8).

Self-interest is good when it motivates us to effectively protect our ministry, character, and life from attack as self-preservation is a God-given instinct (Eph 5:29). We should not be coerced by peer pressure or dictated to by those in authority if it encroaches on our relationship with God or violates

We must balance personal needs with those of the wider community

our rights and ethical values including those of our physical bodies regarding unproven medical remedies (Dan 1:8; Act 5:29). Don’t compromise your godly values but deny yourself and be committed to fulfil your calling; remembering we are answerable to God, not man.

Personal goals or interests pursued through hard work and effort lead to growth and innovation, benefiting individuals and potentially society.