June 04 2026

Thursday June 04

“The Disease of Self-Interest”

Philippians 2:21

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we will be looking at Philippians 2:21. But before we talk about that, let's remind ourselves what the book of Philippians is about. The book of Philippians is about the joyful mind and the secure mind. The Apostle Paul is teaching us something very powerful. Before we can claim in chapter 4, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," or, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus," we first must practice what is taught in the earlier chapters.

In chapter 1, Paul teaches us to have a single mind—a mind that is set on Christ, a mind that is focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a mind that desires to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ before glorifying itself. Then chapter 2 becomes very practical as Paul teaches us how to have a submissive mind—a mind that is submitted to the will of God. In verse 20, the Apostle Paul commended Timothy as a man who genuinely cared for the spiritual welfare of others. Then Paul makes a very sad statement in verse 21: "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's."

Think about that statement for a moment: "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." Paul was living in Rome, the center of the Roman Empire. There were many believers there. In Romans 16, when Paul wrote to the church at Rome, he mentioned dozens of Christians by name. Yet when he looked for someone to send to Philippi, he found only Timothy who was available and willing to put Christ's interests first.

This verse exposes one of the greatest spiritual diseases that affects believers and churches. It is the disease of self-interest. The natural tendency of every human heart is to focus on self. The first words of many little children are often, "Mine!" or, "I want that! That's mine! Don't touch it!" We naturally ask: "What do I want?" "What do I need?" "What is best for me?" Yet the Christian life is exactly the opposite.

The submissive mind that Paul has been describing throughout Philippians chapter 2 causes us to ask: "What does Christ want?" "What will help others?" "What will advance the gospel?" The world teaches us to look out for number one. Jesus teaches us to deny ourselves. In Luke 9:23, Jesus said: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." That is not a popular message today because we live in a culture that promotes self-fulfillment, self-promotion, self-expression, and self-centeredness. But Christianity is centered on Christ, not on self.

One missionary who served for more than fifty years in Africa once lamented the lack of long-term commitment among believers. He quoted the words of Barzillai in 2 Samuel 19:36: "Thy servant will go a little way." That seems to describe many Christians today. They are willing to serve a little way. They are willing to sacrifice a little. They are willing to commit a little.

But Jesus, our example in Philippians 2, went all the way. He left heaven. He humbled Himself. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. My friend, we cannot truly follow Jesus Christ while living for ourselves.

When a church becomes filled with self-centered people, ministries suffer. People stop serving. Needs go unmet. The gospel loses momentum. But when believers put Jesus Christ first, amazing things happen. People are saved. Lives are changed. Churches become healthy. Missionaries are sent. And the gospel advances.

So the question today is simple: Am I seeking my own interests or Christ's interests? Am I willing to serve even when it costs me something? Am I available when God calls? The greatest joy in the Christian life is found when we stop living for ourselves and begin living for Christ and for others.

Let’s pray. Father, forgive us for the selfishness that so easily creeps into our lives and hearts. Help us to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Give us the mind of Christ and teach us to put Your interests above our own. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!