Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Seek Another’s Well Being

Reading: 1 Cor.10:23-11:1

Key Verse: “Nobody should seek his own good but the good of others” v.24

Our society is becoming increasingly individualistic. Loyalty is shown only to myself and I will only do what benefits me. There are many notable exceptions, not least in the charity sector and praiseworthy fund raising initiatives. Nevertheless we have created the god of “me”. Some social commentators have blamed much the increase in depressive illness on the rise of individualism and a subsequent decline into isolationism. 

Anecdotes abound of self-focussed people with depression who have been uplifted when they have become involved in helping and working with others. We do need to be careful and sensitive because depression can be the result of many factors including trauma and being chemically induced. However, God’s observation is still true that it was not good for Adam to be alone. It may be counter-intuitive but personal fulfilment is often found when we seek not our own interests but the interests of others. It was when bereaved, confused and depressed Job prayed for his friends that he experienced healing (Job 42:10).

Paul followed Jesus in seeking the good of others and elsewhere encourages us to look to the interests of others as well as ourselves (Phil.2:4). We can only do this when we are together in tactile relationships.

Prayer: Jesus I want to follow You in seeking the well being of others