SELFISH PERSONAL INTEREST

By A. W. Tozer
 
 
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government.  Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they
are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.               -   -   2 Peter 2:10
 
             Throughout history, the philosophers have pretty well
agreed on the conclusion that selfish personal interest is
the motive behind all human conduct.
 
           The philosopher Epictetus illustrated his understanding
with the fact that two dogs may romp on the lawn with
every appearance of friendship until someone tosses a
piece of raw meat between them. Instantly, their play
turns into savage fight as each struggles to get the meat
for himself.
 
          Let us not condemn the old thinker for comparing the
conduct of men to animals. The Bible frequently does and,
humbling as it may be to us; we humans often look bad by
comparison.
 
          If we would be wise in the wisdom of God we must face
up to the truth that men and women are not basically
good: they are basically evil and the essence of sin lies in
their selfishness!  Putting our own interests before the
glory of God is sin in its Godward aspects, and the putting
of our own interests before those of our fellow man is sin as
it relates to society.
 
           By the Cross, Jesus Christ demonstrated pure, selfless
love in its fullest perfection.   When He died. He set a crown of
beauty upon a God-centered and an others-centered life.
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Yours in Christ,
Paul N.  F.