What’s In It for Me? 

   This question seems to be foremost in many people’s thoughts when deciding what they should or should not do.  The concern is for what can be gained personally and, all too often, it doesn’t matter if it is right or wrong.

   In many ways this attitude is the cause of what ails our society today.  The first priority is one of selfishness, and whether our actions are good or evil rarely influence the decision.  Our ego tells us that what we desire is of more importance than doing the right thing.  If the wrong gets what we want, that’s what we’ll do.  This is very much the way of the world; it’s all Me, Me, Me.

   Cheating is fine so long as it is beneficial to realizing our goals.  Immoral and illegal business decision are made.  Cheating on tests and plagiarizing our essays in school is common.  We take illegal drugs to help us succeed in sports and will cheat in other ways when necessary.  Even in marriage, we choose to be unfaithful for our own pleasure and desires, regardless the harm it does to our spouse and to society.

   But in the spiritual realm it must be different.  What is right and what is not has to be considered, even taking priority over what may best serve us in this world.  We must look to God first and foremost for guidance.  Even if it means persecution or even death, we must follow the path Jesus took if we are to gain God’s heavenly kingdom.

   And there is the answer to the question.  What is in it for me is eternity in the kingdom of God where there is no pain or sorrow, only happiness, joy, and love.  The world will not long remain, but eternity is forever.