Self-interest
<<egotism>>
When self becomes our priority, our lives become unbalanced and all our relationships suffer.
Self-interest often causes us to ‘skew the facts’ to our advantage but this 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 actually 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 self-interest, rather than working together for a common cause with a servant 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 own gain without the right motivation of seeking to bring glory to God (Isa 56:11; Act 8:18-24).
Conflicts and unanswered prayers are often the result of selfish motives as people look out for their own interests, not those of others or Christ, and this will be to their own detriment (Phil 2:4,21; 2 Tim 3:2; Jas 4:1-3). We are instructed to do to others what we like them to do to us, for by blessing others we in turn will be equally blessed (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 with our tithes and devotion we go beyond self-interest. God recognises this 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?
Do I put God or myself first?
whoever loses his life for me will save it” (Lk 9:23,24). The result of Jesus saying, “Not my will but yours be done” was a double blessing – the offer of salvation for humanity, and an eternal inheritance of redeemed people for Jesus. However those who are self-seeking and reject the truth will experience eternal damnation (LK 22:42; Rom 2:8).
God’s ways are the opposite to the humanistic ways of the world. He says, 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).
See also: others, self, selfishness, submission, vanity.