What’s in it for me?

Have you ever said or thought those words? It’s a very self-focused mindset that is fueled by greed and will prevent you from any thought of others. We see it every day in our society as people try to climb social and corporate ladders to obtain what we like to call the American dream.

The responses to those words are what we use to filter our actions. We will do some pretty crazy things if we think we will benefit from them. Those crazy things start out as small compromises and build from there.

Casting Crowns has a song called American Dream that depicts the deterioration of a relationship due to a man’s neglect as he pursues the finer things above time with his family and God.

“But all work no God has left Jack with a lost soul
But he’s moving on full steam
He’s chasing the American dream
He’s gonna give his family the finer things”

There’s nothing wrong with having nice things, the problem begins when those things and obtaining those things take place of having a relationship with God. Greed becomes the focus. Just like with Judas.

Judas was the keeper of the purse and greed was a problem for him. When Mary poured out her expensive perfume on Jesus in an act of worship and love, he only saw the street value and what he could get out of it because he used to help himself to what was put into the money bag. (John 12:6)

After this event Judas went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” Isn’t that that same thing as saying, “What’s in it for me?” That is a scary place to be. As Jesus said, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” “(Genesis 4:7)

Judas’ story teaches us to guard against small, gradual failings that gain strength and power in our lives and that could open the door to more deadly influences. Judas’ path started with helping himself to the purse. It then grew to the deadly sins of greed and covetousness. From there it lead to betrayal and a lost soul.

Jesus said, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” We can shake our heads at Judas, but if we take a moment and do a little self-reflection we will see that we have moments of that same attitude.

Do we criticize others who are sold out for Jesus because of their actions, or question their motives? Do we hold back in serving and sacrificing our desires because there doesn’t seem to be much in it for us other than hard work and time that we would rather spend elsewhere? Lord please forgive me for having those very thoughts and attitudes.

The next time I think, “What’s in it for me?” or when I’m tempted to criticize someone else, I need to stop and refocus. Instead my question should be, “What can I do for you God?” And instead of criticizing someone, perhaps I should follow their example.

It is possible to do this. In the passage above God said, “You must rule over it.” In 1 Peter 5:8-11 it reads, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

That same enemy prowled around Judas and final entered him, Judas allowed the enemy to rule over him. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to resist him and stand strong if we choose to and when we do, the question of what’s in it for me no longer comes to mind.

My prayer

Father, please forgive me for selfish and self-seeking moments. You have provided a way for me to overcome wrong thoughts, attitudes and actions and I pray that I will resist and turn those moments into opportunities to choose Your will. Thank you for the lessons in the bible and giving us so many clear pictures of the choices we have in life. The people in the bible are there as examples for us. Some of the right way to follow You and others of what not to do. Open our eyes to see and our hearts to follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”