I’ve been involved in many organizations and groups over the years. Throughout my time helping here, and helping there, I have found a very consistent trend. Wherever I go, there always seems to be a lack of committed people. Perhaps you have found this true also. Diligent, committed people are hard to find. This problem seems to have been prevalent even in the early church. Paul reveals something very interesting in his letter to Philipi.
He says, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” – Philippians 2:20-21
Wow, what a statement. What a tragedy! A man of God can’t find another man of God to continue God’s work? Sadly this happens over and over. Even in the old testament, God sought for one man to be a mediator, but He could not find even one.
Sometimes God doesn’t need a whole lot of people, sometimes He just needs one. Notice what Paul said, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Do you seek your own, or do you seek Christ’s?
When you wake up in the morning, do you seek your own benefit, or do you seek Christ’s? When you lash out in anger at someone, are you seeking your own or Christ’s? When you make decisions throughout your day, are you seeking your own benefit, or Christ’s? Paul contrasted seeking your own benefit with naturally caring. The point wasn’t that he couldn’t find anyone to care, but that he couldn’t find anyone who naturally cared.
You see, when you decide to follow Christ often enough, your nature changes. You care without having to focus on it. You don’t have to suppress your temper or your pride or your sin nature as much, because you now operate in a new nature. You have adopted the Christlike nature that God has given you.
That’s what Paul was looking for, and I believe that is what God is looking for.
If you want to be used by God, there are plenty of positions open, all you must do is lay down your pride and allow God to change you.
Don’t seek your own, seek Christ’s.
For it is God which worketh in you, 