Self-Interest vs. Common Good

“Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”

As I continue on my Lenten “Fast for Community,” I continue to be drawn back to this statement from Philippians 2:4 (NRSV).  Self-interest is always a part of our MO in making decisions, forming opinions, and taking action. We ask ourselves continually, “how will this benefit me and impact my quality of life?”  It is a powerful question that determines our positions on almost every social and political concern.  We vote our self-interest. We advocate our self-interest. We defend our self-interest.

Pursuit of self-interest is evidence that we love ourselves. Self-love has gotten a bad rap – especially among Christians.  But love of self is never condemned by Jesus. In fact, it is normal and healthy. Jesus’ command to love our neighbor includes the proviso, “as yourself.” Self-love (and self-interest) becomes the standard to be used to dictate our actions toward others. The question for followers of Jesus is not, “how do I eliminate self-interest?” but “how broad is my circle of self interest?”  Does my circle extend to the “other?”

We will easily extend our circle of self-interest to include our children and grandchildren. We will also consider the interests of our close friends and extended family. We may create additional circles of self-interest based on our gender, our race, our class, our affiliations.  But our circles have boundaries. The lines are drawn and redrawn, but, in the end, “others” always end up separated from the “self” (and those we include as part of the “self”).  And we will usually choose to preserve and protect the interests of the “self”  at the expense of the interests of the “others.”

I believe Jesus challenges us to rethink the meaning of “self.”  The old circles are not big enough. “Self” must go beyond the traditional tribal boundaries. I believe the circle must also extend through time to include next generations.  In the phraseology of Paul, “we are members of one another” whether male or female, slave or free, Jew or Gentile (or any other tribal delineation); whether present or future. It is in our self-interest to pursue the interests of the “other” because we are indeed “one in Christ.”

But doesn’t that mean that our own interests will be sacrificed?  Doesn’t that mean that my own needs will go unmet and that my own quality of life will be at risk? Fear is at the core of our circle. We are afraid that in giving up pursuit of “self-interest” that the “self” will not just be denied – it will be destroyed! Despite our deeply felt fear, the opposite is actually true.  We will not be destroyed. We will not lose, we will gain. Self-interest and the interests of others are not in conflict, but are inextricably linked.  What is beneficial for the “other” is actually beneficial for the “self.”  In pursuing the common good, I am ultimately guaranteeing my own good now and into the future.

My fast continues.