The Sin of Self-Interest

Self interest is defined as

• opportunism: taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others  
• egoism: concern for your own interests and welfare     (courtesy of worldnet.princeton.edu)
• One's personal interest or advantage, especially when pursued without regard for others
  (en.wiktionary.org/wiki/self-interest)

I must confess, I have been guilty of looking out for my own self-interest.  And furthermore, it is a struggle for me not to.  I know that, try as I might, I will continue to struggle with self interest.  Why?  Because it's in my human DNA, it's instinctive, it's a self preservation mechanism.

Without a doubt, our fallen world creates a climate ripe for seeking after one's own best interest. We look out for our best interests, often justifying our actions.  Instead, we are admonished to do something quite contrary to the world, something quite revoluntionary,  something that could have only been brought about by Jesus Christ Himself:

"My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?"  Galatians 5:16 

Paul says that we can starve our selfish nature by CHOOSING to be led by the Spirit!  Christ GAVE us the means to BREAK the sin of self-interest the minute we accepted Him as Lord and Savior - by sending His Own Holy Spirit to live within us!  Once indwelled by the Spirit, it is up to US to CHOOSE to live freely being led by the Spirit - OR not to.  Paul emphasizes here that living freely in the spirit is antitheical to living selfishly.  We can't live both ways.  Friends, we are NO LONGER to live based on how WE feel, flip flopping around from one day to the next!  To do so is counterproductive to the work of the Spirit in our lives AND defiles our testimony for Christ! 

In living a Spirit led life, we must be cautious not to confuse our personal feelings for the Spirit's prompting.  Here's what the study notes of my NLT Bible says about being led by the Spirit:

"Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God's Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and His promptings.  Live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit.  Then the words of Christ will be in your mind, the love of Christ will be behind your actions, and the power of Christ will help you control your selfish desires."

The antidote to self-interest is to FREELY live a life led by the Holy Spirit!  In living freely, the Spirit gives us NEW LIFE (animation) and INCENTIVE (motivation).  Furthermore, those living freely in the Spirit are easily identified by the wonderful fruits produced:  "...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."  Galatians  5:22 

Does your life reflect the fruits of a Spirit led life or one wrought with self-interest?

Prayerfully seek Him today.  Only He can help you to live freely!

In His Love, Cathy