“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24
Once again Paul brings up personal freedom. He looks at the rights of a person and the value in everything. Now he goes against the common flow of the people, by stating to look out for the good of others first.
There is a common phrase used by many people: “Look out for number 1”, that is used by many people. Parents, teachers, and friends will often tell children and other friends to do this. The number one person is supposed to be yourself. The mind-set is that if you do not look out for yourself and your own good, no one will and you will be left wanting.
Thinking from a world-view, this statement makes sense. If you do not eat, no one will feed you and you will go hungry. If you do not drink liquids, no one will give them to you and you will go thirsty. If you do not stand up for your rights and position in the workplace, no one else will and you will get trampled on.
As a believer in Jesus, life is not to be lived this way. Jesus said He came not to be served, but to serve. Every believer must be like Him, serving others first.
Serving yourself is a form of greed. It is asking what can I get out of this? How can I benefit from this?
Serving others is seeking to help someone else benefit and get something out of the situation. You are to build others up in every way possible. As you work for the good of others, you are showing others the example of what Jesus has done for you and for them. Jesus did not have to die on the cross for His sins because He never sinned. He died on the cross for your sins. It was for your benefit.
Take your eyes off of your own problems and life and seek to help others. Keep your eyes on Jesus as the best example of service for others.
Ask God how you may be able to help someone else out today. Go the extra mile to serve someone else for their own good. Look out for the other person’s good, not your own good.
As you seek their own good, God will provide for all of your needs. Trust Him.
I pray today that you will see the example of service Jesus has done for you; that God will show you how to seek the good for others; that God will strengthen you to work for other’s good; and that many will come to Jesus through your service.
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