“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV
Reflection: why is seeking the good of others important to a disciple of Christ?
Let me test what you think about this statement: “To be a Christian is to be a disciple of Christ.” There were many people who “followed” Jesus when he was in the world, but only a few that were his disciples. There were thousands who came to listen to him; probably hundreds who followed him around, but only a few dozen who actually became his disciples. Meaning, who took his teachings seriously enough that they changed their lives based on his teachings. Jesus said to those who followed him ““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 NIV. And then “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” John 8:31-32 NIV.
The whole act of repentance, of turning from our ways to letting Jesus lead us, is to become a follower of Jesus; in other words, a disciple of Jesus. It is not only by what we say, but by what we do. If we claim Jesus is our Lord, but don’t learn from him and apply that to our lives by living more and more like him, we are only fooling ourselves. There are many who claim they are Christians, but not willing to actually accept the teachings of the one they claim the name from. Paul has been discussing what is the right behavior for a Christian in relation to eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. This was a topic and a practical issue for the early church. And while we might not have to deal with this specific issue, Paul makes a higher, general principle that we all can apply. A timeless principle for Christian living, saying
““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV. The principle lifts something higher than our “rights” – to consider whether it actually is beneficial or constructive. And, to leave no doubt in how to apply this principle, he says “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV. Wow. Now this goes squarely against the spirit of this world, of being self centered, self focused, or just selfish. The kingdom of God is in direct opposition to selfishness, as Jesus said “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NIV. To learn to be humble and gentle as our Lord.
In fact, Jesus told us, as a command to love, to lay down our one needs, even lives, in love of others “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:12-17 NIV
Paul applied the teaching of Jesus in his writings and instructions to the Corinthians, creating principles very relevant for us today. So, what does this principle of “seeking the good of others above our own good” mean to you in a practical way? How will you apply this today?