Philippians 2 (#3): A man who minds his own business

verse 21: For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

◇ The church is a gathering of people who believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior. Within it, there are various individuals: men and women, young and old, rich and poor, those with mature faith, those striving for maturity, and those who have just begun their journey upon hearing the name of Jesus. All of them have accepted Jesus as their Savior and seek to live as His disciples.

On the other hand, there are also people within the church who have no real connection with Jesus. They only think of their own interests and not the work of Jesus. They may speak His name, but their actions are wrapped up in their own self-interests.

What would Jesus say to those who seek their own interests rather than the work of Jesus Christ?

Mark 8:33: But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

Satan. Those who claim to serve Jesus yet focus on their own interests and the things of man are called Satan. We, too, can become like Satan. The moment we try to use Jesus for our own desires and goals, we become Satan. Even if we claim to do the work of Jesus in His name, if it is for our own selfish gain, we become like Satan, as Peter did.

♧ Lord, help me to examine myself daily! Let me live as one who seeks the work of Jesus! Holy Spirit, guide me in truth!