Philippians 2:21
“For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”
Your agenda does matter. Why you do something and for whom you are doing it matters to God. Paul said, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”
Paul had helped many people, but it seemed they wouldn’t help him when he needed them most because he no longer fit into their agenda. The only one whom he could depend upon was Timothy. He could depend on him because Jesus Christ was his agenda. His purpose for everything he did was to please God. Timothy wasn’t seeking his own, but he was seeking to please His Saviour.
Have you ever been in that position where you helped someone, but they didn’t return the favor when you needed their help? You quickly found out that person was only trying to help you because you had something that benefited them. You must be careful that you don’t become that type of Christian. You must ask yourself, for who are you seeking? This is the question that will determine the strength of your Christianity.
Are you seeking your own agenda? Is the only reason you help others is when it benefits you? My friend, the world is filled with people who base everything they do on whether it helps their agenda. For instance, Pastor, do you only help people who will benefit your church? If someone isn’t going to go to your church, do you try to help them? There is nothing wrong with having an agenda as long as that agenda doesn’t come before the LORD and His agenda. Your agenda must simply be a sub-point to Christ’s agenda.
Moreover, are you seeking your own reputation? Many people only help others if it makes them look good. You should never become the person who is more interested in people seeing you do something. Your reputation should never be the purpose as to why you help people. There will be times when you should help someone and it won’t be popular, but it will be Christ-like. Didn’t Christ get criticized for helping sinners? You will never be a good Christian if you only do what is right if it benefits your reputation.
Furthermore, are you seeking your advancement? Be careful about only helping those who can help advance you in position. Don’t become a person who is so enamored with position that you avoid those who can’t help you get the position you desire. Your desire for a better position should never be the basis for helping someone. The greatest Christian is the one who helps those who can do nothing for you. God will send many people your way whom you can help, but you must never wonder how helping them will help you to achieve a better position.
My friend, the true Christian makes everything they seek about Jesus Christ; they crucify the flesh and place God’s interests above theirs. Let me ask you, who’s interest are you seeking? Does everything have to benefit you? The strongest marriage is one where both parties lay their interests aside for the sake of helping the other. The strongest friendship is the one where both parties are willing to stand with their friend when no one else is willing to stand with them. The greatest Christian is the one who makes Christ their sole agenda and interest as the basis for what they do. When you get to the point where your sole interest is what benefits Christ the most, it is at that point where you will find true joy in life.