For everyone looks out for his own interests

Philippians 2:21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

It seems, at least from the numerous media sources, that there is an endless supply of those who have fallen from the path of true service. The faith or belief set does not matter. The temptation to serve self is tremendous. That is why we MUST pray for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord.

The Apostle Paul shares some valuable insight into serving the Lord in this passage. There are many people who have that heart of a servant. And you can find them in every church in this world. When we look closely at motives for serving, it is what separates those serving from true servants of the Lord. Some serve because they hold to the belief they are not saved by grace alone. The nail in the coffin in that line of thinking is found in Ephesians 2:8&9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.  Others serve because they are looking out for their own interests. Many are the motives for serving self (hence the phrase self-serving.) It can be to achieve a level of prestige within a congregation, to find a sense of self-worth, or it can even be for ill-gotten financial gain. The imperative for all serving the Lord is to discern within our hearts the motives for serving are indeed as pure as Christ. Failure to do a heart check evaluating our motive(s) for serving is to allow Satan to have a foot in the door. And that must not ever happen! Foolish pride has tripped up many a servant. We serve out of love for others. We serve to fulfill the great commission to reach out to others. We serve because we too were served by none other than the Son of God. And one thing is for certain. Christ did not look out for his own interest. He suffered the humiliation of the cross so that you and I could have eternal life. Our salvation was paid for at the price of His precious blood. That is what inspires me in my service to the Lord.

PRAYER: Father, Abba, You alone know the truth in our hearts. You alone know our motives. Help us Precious Lord to keep self interest out of our hearts in serving You and our neighbors. Send a full measure of Your Spirit to fill our hearts to keep out pride and greed in our serving You. We ask this in the name of Jesus who with the Father and the Spirit reign as one. Amen.