Topical Bible: Selfishness: Exhibited in Performing Duty for Reward

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Selfishness, as a concept, is often understood as placing one's own interests above those of others. In the context of performing duties for reward, it reflects a heart condition where actions are motivated by personal gain rather than genuine love or obedience to God. The Bible addresses this issue, highlighting the importance of pure motives in the service of God and others.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Pharisees and Hypocrisy: The Pharisees are frequently cited in the New Testament as examples of those who perform religious duties for the sake of appearance and reward. Jesus criticized them for their outward displays of piety, which were driven by a desire for human praise rather than a sincere devotion to God. In Matthew 6:1-2 , Jesus warns, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward."

2. The Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10:17-22, the rich young ruler approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Despite his adherence to the commandments, his reluctance to part with his wealth reveals a heart more attached to material reward than to following Christ. Jesus' instruction to sell all he had and give to the poor was a test of his willingness to prioritize spiritual over material wealth.

3. Ananias and Sapphira: In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and deceitfully withheld part of the proceeds while claiming to have given the full amount to the apostles. Their act was motivated by a desire for recognition and reward from the community, rather than genuine generosity. Their punishment serves as a stark warning against selfish motives in acts of service.

4. Paul's Teaching on Love: The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the driving force behind all actions. In 1 Corinthians 13:3 , he states, "If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing." This underscores that actions, no matter how sacrificial, are meaningless if performed for selfish reasons rather than out of love.

5. Jesus' Teaching on Rewards: Jesus teaches that true rewards come from God and are not always visible or immediate. In Matthew 6:19-21 , He advises, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This teaching encourages believers to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary, earthly ones.

Theological Implications

The Bible consistently calls believers to examine their motives and to serve God and others with a pure heart. Selfishness in performing duties for reward is antithetical to the Christian call to selflessness and sacrificial love. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles highlight the importance of aligning one's heart with God's will, seeking His approval above all else, and trusting in His provision for true and lasting rewards.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 3:11
The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean on the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come on us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Good Samaritan.
... [62] The analogy between the meetings exhibited in this ... after they have sprung, and
degenerate into selfishness. ... were they riding, or performing the journey on ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xvii the good samaritan.htm

Letter ix. Meditation.
... 1.) How odious selfishness must be ... 3.) The wisdom of God, as exhibited in his ... attributes
of God are ascribed to him"he is represented as performing the works ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter ix meditation.htm

Covenant Duties.
... Those who, from revenge, or envy, or selfishness, or any ... his people;"the Holy Ghost
is exhibited as given ... soon as it is discovered, from performing any part ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm