As Christian leaders speak out for missions, some have set up “self” as a bogeyman. I regularly hear pastors rail against “self.” Apparently, the lowest insult is that a person be “selfish.”

I don’t accept this understanding of Christian motivation. In fact, “right and wrong” are categories for guiding us in pursuing life; and for any individual man, this means: his own life. Therefore, “self-interest” (a.k.a. selfishness) is the very foundation of morality.

I often hear the misquote: “It is better to give than to receive.”

Paul relays this maxim from Jesus in Acts 20:35.

The error? Jesus did not say “It is better…” Rather, he said, “It is more blessed…”

When you ask “why be moral?” your answer needs to be more than, “Because it’s the right thing to do.” That is circular. What makes something the right thing? What goal does a man achieve by doing right?

Some answer that, “Virtue is it’s own reward.” Others answer that “Morality benefits others, and that is what really matters.”

But what motivation does Scripture offer? Your life. Your reward.