Daily devotional, 11 June 2024 Hidden agenda
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3
Nowadays, “what you see is what you get” does not always hold true. Pictures are filtered, posts are staged, ambitions are hidden, and sentiments are buried. Regardless of social standing, people fight over hidden agenda, and pursue only their interest, totally unconcerned about other people’s welfare.
As followers of Jesus, we are asked to put other people’s interest ahead of ours. We are not to pursue our own hidden agenda, to rake in more wealth, gain more popularity, or get ahead of others.
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men. " Philippians 2:4-7
The Bible also reminds us to not deceive other people, instead we ought to care for them and their welfare.Pursuing one’s agenda then is contrary to what the Lord expects of us.
"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."
Proverbs 6:16-19
So what should our agenda be instead? Our main agenda is to follow God’s commands and seek Him with all our heart.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Matthew 6:33
We are also asked to step away from pursuing our own interests and endeavor to please God in everything that we do.
"Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:24-25
Surrendering our lives to Jesus However does not mean that we will resign from our day jobs, cease earning a living, or stop doing our daily tasks like taking care of our family. While others may have been called to totally dedicate their lives to priestly, pastoral, or missionary work, most ordinary people like us are being called to follow God and spread His Good News in our current capacity. Current capacity means following Jesus in our own offices, family, or community. And where we are is where we are being called to follow Jesus by prioritizing Him and His will ahead of ours.
For example, when faced with a decision to make, we will choose the option that honors God. This means we will go for the choice that does not contradict any of the Ten commandments or the values taught by the Bible.
"We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person." 1 John 2:3-4
In setting our agenda, and what we do with our day-to-day life as well as long-term goals, we are also meant to honor the Lord. We are also not to avenge ourselves of the wrongdoing of others towards us. Instead we should offer all the sufferings and pain we feel and trust God that He will take care of us and those who did us wrong.
Putting our loved one’s interest ahead of ours may be easy. The challenge we face as we continue our faith journey is to show concern about other people’s welfare and protect their interests, even if it means that we will have to suffer in terms of financial, career, or social opportunities. When we do so, we can trust that the Lord will delight in us.
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
Hebrews 6:10
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 2:1-11 and Matthew 16:24-28 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Can you forego your personal agenda to pursue and follow Jesus?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God that encourages us to be humble and unselfish. Please empower me to be more humble and concerned about others, so that I could live a life that is glorifying to you. Amen.
