Selfishness, as a concept, is often understood as placing one's own desires and interests above those of others. Within the context of serving God, selfishness can manifest when individuals engage in religious activities or devotion primarily for personal gain or reward, rather than out of genuine love and reverence for God.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. The Pharisees and Hypocrisy: The Pharisees are frequently cited in the New Testament as examples of religious leaders who performed acts of piety for public recognition and personal gain. Jesus criticized them for their outward displays of righteousness that were not matched by inward sincerity. 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. Simon the Sorcerer: In Acts 8:18-21 , Simon the Sorcerer offers money to the apostles in exchange for the power to bestow the Holy Spirit. Peter rebukes him, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God." Simon's desire to serve God was tainted by his selfish ambition for power and influence.

3. The Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10:17-22 , a rich young man approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give to the poor, but the man goes away sorrowful because of his great wealth. His attachment to material possessions reveals a heart more concerned with earthly rewards than with true devotion to God.

4. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard: In Matthew 20:1-16 , Jesus tells a parable about workers hired at different times of the day but receiving the same wage. Those hired first grumble about the fairness of their pay, revealing their service was motivated by the expectation of greater reward. The parable illustrates that God's grace and generosity transcend human notions of fairness and reward.

Theological Insights

The Bible consistently teaches that true service to God should be motivated by love, faith, and obedience, rather than by the pursuit of personal gain. In 1 Corinthians 13:3 , Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the foundation of all actions: "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 devoid of genuine love and selflessness are ultimately unprofitable in the eyes of God.

Furthermore, Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." The emphasis here is on earnestly seeking God, not merely seeking His rewards.

Practical Implications

Believers are encouraged to examine their motives in serving God, ensuring that their actions stem from a heart of gratitude and devotion rather than a desire for personal benefit. In Matthew 6:33 , Jesus instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse calls Christians to prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness, trusting that God will provide for their needs.

In summary, the Bible warns against the dangers of selfishness in serving God, urging believers to cultivate a heart of genuine love and selflessness in their devotion.Malachi 1:10
Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nothing? neither do you kindle fire on my altar for nothing. I have no pleasure in you, said the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord ... and duties of Christianity, so he
exhibited them in ... interrupted obedience, of the mixture of selfishness in our ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... 'The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of
Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust' (Ruth 2:12). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

What does the Bible say about sharing? | GotQuestions.org

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What does the Bible say about motives? | GotQuestions.org

Selfishness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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