The Death of Self-Interest
“Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” - John 12:24
This might be one of the most challenging ideas in society today - the death of self-interest. In the social media age we live in, everyone is given the opportunity to promote themselves. “Personal brands” have become all the rave, as anyone who has a smart phone can immediately begin building their own brand. Today more than ever, people have a voice and reach that used to only be accessible to those who were famous.
Now don’t get me wrong, social media in itself is not a bad thing. Social media only reveals the people who join. The platforms every individual now has access to can be used for great things. Just as previously mentioned, you now can gain more attention and reach than any previous generation. The question is… what are you going to do with that attention? God has called us to “live by the Spirit and do not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
With all the opportunities to have your voice heard now, you have the ultimate choice to make. Will you choose to gratify your self-interest? To build up your own name? Or will you choose to promote God? To pursue the path He has planned for you, to make an impact for His kingdom?
These are the choices you must ask yourself. It’s easy to get lost in all the noise and to say what you want to say, but just think of the unbelievable opportunity you have to reach others for Christ. This does not mean you have to preach on your social feeds. Not everyone is called to serve in a church capacity. God uses athletes, musicians, artists, engineers, doctors, and every occupation imaginable.
It is not about what niche you decide to go in. But instead, will you use the gifts and talents he gave you to pursue His will for your life? Choose to let your self-interests die, and watch how God will promote you.
This might be one of the most challenging ideas in society today - the death of self-interest. In the social media age we live in, everyone is given the opportunity to promote themselves. “Personal brands” have become all the rave, as anyone who has a smart phone can immediately begin building their own brand. Today more than ever, people have a voice and reach that used to only be accessible to those who were famous.
Now don’t get me wrong, social media in itself is not a bad thing. Social media only reveals the people who join. The platforms every individual now has access to can be used for great things. Just as previously mentioned, you now can gain more attention and reach than any previous generation. The question is… what are you going to do with that attention? God has called us to “live by the Spirit and do not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
With all the opportunities to have your voice heard now, you have the ultimate choice to make. Will you choose to gratify your self-interest? To build up your own name? Or will you choose to promote God? To pursue the path He has planned for you, to make an impact for His kingdom?
These are the choices you must ask yourself. It’s easy to get lost in all the noise and to say what you want to say, but just think of the unbelievable opportunity you have to reach others for Christ. This does not mean you have to preach on your social feeds. Not everyone is called to serve in a church capacity. God uses athletes, musicians, artists, engineers, doctors, and every occupation imaginable.
It is not about what niche you decide to go in. But instead, will you use the gifts and talents he gave you to pursue His will for your life? Choose to let your self-interests die, and watch how God will promote you.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments