Interests
By Peggy Kleckner
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4
How often do we look past our own interests to the interests of others? We live in a very “me” centered society. We have been taught to judge everything by “what’s in it for me?” Notice that God doesn’t tell us not to look at our own interests, but He does tell us to look beyond them.By Peggy Kleckner
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4
Let’s look at the workplace. Perhaps you work in a business atmosphere. Does each department look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of the other departments? Does the accounting department try to understand the needs of the sales department? How about vice versa…does the sales department try to understand the accounting department? If each department could enter into a conversation seeking to understand the other and its’ needs, how much progress could be made? I have seen lots of aggravation when two parties refuse to see the others’ needs as legitimate. Sales departments want to make the sale, but the accounting department understands that there are tax codes and forms to fill out. The company needs both of these departments or they won’t last long, but shouldn’t they be able to learn to function with mutual respect for each other, rather than ridiculing one another?
Now think about yourself for a moment. If you already understand your side of things, wouldn’t it be wise to try to listen to the needs of the other person? Once you have that understanding, you may gain wisdom in how to accommodate both of your needs. Without it, you are both just demanding your own way.
Too often we don’t respect the interests of others. God’s Word certainly gives us wise counsel, but we must be willing to receive it and apply it to our daily lives.
Today, in whatever circumstance you may find yourself, stop long enough to remember God’s instruction and then ask Him to help you implement it. You may be amazed at what you learn about others’ interests and how easily some situations can be resolved by taking God’s good advice.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Looking back over the last week, where have you missed the opportunity to apply the wisdom of today’s verse? (Hint: Think about conversations where you felt the other party didn’t understand your needs.)
2. Looking forward, in what area of your life (work, marriage, family, friends) can you plan to apply the wisdom from today’s verse?
FURTHER READING:
James 1:19-27; Proverb 18:13
Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - two sons and two stepsons. She is the Co-coordinator of Oakwood’s Wednesday p.m. Bible Study.
