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NASB | Philippians 1:23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 1:23 But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; |
Subject: Selfish or Self-interest? |
Bible Note: I hope this quote better makes the point of self-interest, not self-awareness, charis. “[Biblical theism] provides adequate scope for self-interest. Far from denying the legitimacy of interested motivation, the doctrine of Christ constantly stresses rewards and punishments. The sermon on the mount repeatedly appeals to practical consequences: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you … for my sake … for great is your reward in heaven…. Whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire…. It is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell…. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye…. Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven…. And thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly…. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” “It is obvious that Biblical theism appeals to self-interest. The gospel of Christ demands sacrifices of men, but it demands no ultimate sacrifice. Although in this world the Christian will suffer tribulation, although like Paul he may five times receive forty stripes save one, be thrice beaten with rods, be once stoned, suffer shipwreck, be in perils, in weariness, in hunger and thirst, still “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” In this sense Christianity is definitely egoistic. Not only will those who meet God’s requirements be rewarded with joys unspeakable, but also a conscious desire for those rewards is legitimate motivation. “With this assertion of egoism it should be noted also that Biblical theism does not approve of selfishness as the term is used in ordinary speech.... But as a matter of fact Biblical theism does not teach selfishness. Documentation is almost superfluous. One could trace the matter from Abraham who gave Lot the first choice of pasture land; through Moses who refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; through Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, and many other unknown saints of whom the world was not worthy; on to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame. No doubt the Church contains hypocrites; no doubt also many, yes, all sincere Christians fail to live consistently by their principles; but it is exceedingly strange to charge Christianity with inculcating selfishness.” I will not identify my source so you can deal with what he wrote rather than with him. Thank you all for the feedback. Lionstrong |