Fat Monk


15 Dec 2024

Conflict of interests

Used in politics and corporate world, “conflict of interests” is not an everyday phrase in everyday private life. But it is a relevant view point.

In every decision I make, big decision and small decision, is there a potential conflict of interests? Between mine and God’s? Between mine and others?

From this view point, obedience, or more precisely disobedience, feels a bit different, although not necessarily changing the implication. Am I serving God’s interest or mine? Am I putting others’ interest before mine?

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

(Philippians 2.3-4 ESV)

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]."

(Matthew 16.24 AMP)

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ And ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’"

(Matthew 22.36-40 GNB)