Are Politicians Selfish? - Ben Bailey

Are Politicians Selfish?

 Of course, the answer to that question is “Not all of them.”  And, really what we're thinking about is not even political in nature it just serves as an illustration.  Allow me to explain.  Recently I was studying James 3:14 and came across the words “self-seeking”, or “selfish ambitions” and I wanted to know what the original Greek word meant.  I got out my Vine’s Dictionary and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon and it really had a vivid definition of selfishness that our English translations just don’t catch. 

            The word for selfishness in the Greek New Testament is eritheia.  The NKJV translates this word as “self-seeking”, KJV “strife”, NIV, ESV, NASB “selfish ambition”.  Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines the original word vividly as, “electioneering or one interested in political office.”  The word carries the idea of one who is politicking, putting oneself forward, one who promotes self, or one interested in self-image.  Basically, it’s the idea of promoting our self-image and ambitions to get people to like us or vote for us.  You can easily see why James says this is not Godly wisdom but a worldly perspective (James 3:14ff).  So, how does this apply to our lives as Christians?  Let me mention just a couple of ways.

            First, the definition of this word should cause us to consider our motives in everything we do.  You CAN do all the right things for the wrong motives.  You can feed the hungry, visit the sick, and encourage the downtrodden for the wrong reason—selfish ambition and a desire to get people’s praise rather than God’s.  Didn’t Jesus say something about doing the right things for the wrong reasons (Mt. 6:16)?  Why do we do the things we do?  Is it to praise and serve God or is it to get other people to like us (politicking)?

            Secondly, it should make us consider our ambitions.  There is nothing wrong with being ambitious and working hard at your goals.  It’s a good trait when used rightly (Eccl. 9:10).  However, studying this idea causes us to consider whether our ambitions and goals align with what God wants us to do and be or what we want to do and be.  Are we doing the things we are doing to be rich, popular, and well-liked by other people?  Are our ambitions based on pride and a desire to boost our own self-esteem?  As we think about the word selfish, let’s consider our motives and whether our ambitions and goals in life help us to be a more godly and selfless person.                     --Ben Bailey