What do you believe is our greatest human weakness?
Is it pride that refuses to admit mistakes, sins and errors of judgment?
Is it greed that is absorbed in the accumulation of money and material possessions?
Is it lust that is in mad pursuit of pleasure and sensual excitement?
Maybe you’re thinking it’s anger. Envy. Or deceit.
Let me suggest that is it none of the above. The greatest human weakness is…..
Self-interest.
Call it selfishness. Self-centered.. Self-indulgent. Or self-seeking. It’s all the same. It’s all about self.
The Bible warns us about this pervasive human weakness.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4)
One of the “works of the flesh” is “selfish ambition” (Gal. 5:20). It was a problem at Corinth that caused discord, dissension and division (1 Cor. 1:10-13; 2 Cor 12:20). James writes that “selfish ambition” is “earthly, unspiritual and demonic” (Jas. 3:13). It fact, he says that it leads to confusion and all kind of other evil works.
None of us are immune to the human weakness of self-interest. The 19th century American evangelist Dwight L. Moody once quipped, “I’ve had more trouble with D. L. Moody than any other man I’ve ever met!” I sure do feel like Moody many times! “I’ve had more trouble with Ken Weliever than any other man I’ve ever met!”
Our self-interest causes us to justify our attitudes. Rationalize our actions. And even excuse our mistakes. Other people have the wrong attitude! Other people’s deeds are despicable. And their shortcomings? There’s no excuse! Of course, we have our “reasons.”
The prophet Jeremiah was right, “the heart is deceitful above all else.” In fact, we can even deceive ourselves under the guise of our religion, and be wrong in our motives. As I reflect over my life as a husband, father and preacher, I know there are times I have said or done something under the pretense of what is best for someone else, yet, it was really in my best interest!
The irony is that God wants us to take heed to ourselves, examine ourselves, and be accountable for ourselves. But He does not want us to become fixated on ourselves! Focused on ourselves. Or absorbed in ourselves.
The human weakness of self-interest leads to foolish mistakes. Errors in judgment. Hurtful choices. And sometimes sinful attitudes and actions. Self-interest issues itself in pride. Greed. And lust. Self-interest is seen in anger. Envy. And deceit.
But there is Good News! It’s God’s grace! God’s grace is amazing! God’s grace relieves my fears. Renews my strength. Revives my heart. And restores my relationship with Him. God is good. Gracious. And in spite of my human weakness extends His love and bestows upon me mercy.
This reminds me that I must also be charitable to others. We share in the same weakness. Similar problems. And shared challenges. We all are fighting a daily battle to be better. To overcome temptation. And subdue self-interest. May I forgive my friends, family and brethren of their self-interest, as God forgives me.
May the day come when I sing with the hymn writer Theodore Monod:
Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Sweet and strong, and ah! so patient,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
Less of self, and more of Thee,
Higher than the highest heavens,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last hath conquered;
Grant me now my heart’s petition,
None of self, and all of Thee,
None of self, and all of Thee
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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