LET NO MAN SEEK HIS OWN, BUT…ANOTHER’S

In the Christian life, the interests of others are paramount. The context here is the narrow one of eating meat which had been sacrificed to idols. The Christian should have regard for those of weaker conscience and refrain from all appearance of evil, to ensure that the weaker brother is not stumbled. However, the principle can be applied more widely and positively than this, for it is the principle of Christ; cf. Phil. 2. 4-8.

Naturally, men are characterized by selfishness. If it were not so, food and all basic necessities would be distributed evenly throughout the world; there would be no poverty or famine, for there is more than enough to go round. The Christian is commanded to be entirely the opposite of this selfishness and, in love for the Lord, seek the best interests of others.

This applies to spiritual things above all else. We must seek the spiritual wealth of others that glory may be brought to Christ and that His church may be built up by the Holy Spirit’s working in and through us. ‘Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification’, Rom. 15. 2. The Christian should be characterized by the love of God - for love ‘seeketh not her own’, 1 Cor. 13. 5.

This will involve us in carefully considering our behaviour to ensure we do not stumble others with doubtful practices. Rather, we go out of our way to encourage others, seeking, at every opportunity, to show practical and spiritual fellowship. If there was true commitment to this practice on the part of every member of a local assembly it is doubtful that it would contract in size. On the contrary it would surely increase as those on the outside observe and are impressed, as they witness, by such fellowship, that the love of Christ reigns supreme. Could it be said of our fellowship that we are attractive spiritually and that those round about who look on, wish they too could be participators in the same?

We need to make every day count in regard to this, for the time is short. Ultimately, we waste our time if we fulfill our own selfish ends and desires. ‘Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others’, Phil. 2. 4.