Self-seeking, or selfishness, is a pervasive human flaw that manifests in various destructive ways. People who constantly pursue their own pleasures and interests often compel others to yield to them, gaining everything they desire except true happiness, which leaves them perpetually dissatisfied. Society nurtures this self-centered attitude from childhood, disregarding God's command to honor parents and instead elevating children above proper respect. This approach fosters spoiled, selfish individuals whose self-absorption grows stronger with age. Biblical examples reveal a common thread of selfishness across both the called and uncalled, evident in actions like Cain's cold indifference to Abel, Nabal's refusal to aid David, Haman's conceit, James and John's pursuit of status, and the priest and Levite's neglect of the wounded. Selfishness shows itself through hoarding for self-preservation, leading to spiritual poverty despite material gain. False ministers exhibit it by ignoring their flock's spiritual needs for personal pleasure, while heartless indifference, neglect of the needy, and betrayal—as seen in Judas Iscariot's act against our Savior—mark its symptoms. In the last days, self-love, self-seeking, and selfish ambition will reach unprecedented levels, with some refusing to reciprocate kindness, fixated only on gaining more. Described as self-centered, self-absorbed, and self-serving, such individuals prioritize their own welfare over others. God has woven natural consequences into His law for this sin, bringing poverty, further sin, and spiritual loss. Yielding to the Holy Spirit offers a path to overcome these tendencies, yet human resistance often allows selfishness to prevail. In contrast, unselfishness, the way of outgoing concern, counters self-seeking. Biblical figures like Abram, who let Lot choose land, Joseph, who provided for his brothers despite their wrongs, and Daniel, who refused rewards to ensure God received glory, exemplify this virtue. Paul urges that all be done for God's glory, prioritizing others' good over personal gain. Christ's ultimate sacrifice stands as the pinnacle of unselfishness, showing that true Christian love does not seek its own but endures and shows kindness. Selfishness, as the pursuit of personal lusts heedless of others, is sin and must be overcome by placing Christ and others first.

In the journey of spiritual growth, the concept of self-seeking stands in stark contrast to the divine attribute of agape. As described in I Corinthians 13:5, agape does not seek its own, embodying a selfless nature that earnestly desires not personal gain but the will of God. This earnest seeking, derived from the Greek word zateo, implies a diligent, active pursuit, not a casual search, as seen in various scriptures where seeking the kingdom of God or a lost sheep is paramount. The phrase "does not seek its own," with the Greek ou indicating an absolute negation and heautou referring to one's own, underscores that agape never prioritizes personal desires over God's will or the welfare of His family. Jesus Christ exemplifies this principle in John 5:30 and Matthew 26:39, 42, where He declares that He seeks not His own will but the will of the Father, even in the face of immense suffering. His submission to the Father's will, despite personal anguish, defines agape as a motivation coupled with action that prioritizes divine purpose over self. Similarly, in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus emphasizes agapeo, the verb form of agape, as the foundation of the greatest commandments, urging a wholehearted devotion to God and neighbor, devoid of self-seeking motives. This selfless nature is further illustrated in Genesis 22 with Abraham and Isaac, who, though unfamiliar with the term agape, modeled its spirit by submitting to God's command without seeking their own desires. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and Isaac's submission reflect a profound trust and obedience to God over personal will. In contrast, the carnal mind, influenced by the father of this world, fuels selfishness and self-seeking, a tendency warned against in Deuteronomy 6:10-14, where forgetting God's provisions leads to prioritizing personal gains over divine purpose. The call to avoid self-seeking is a transformative aspect of conversion, as highlighted in Matthew 16:24, where Jesus instructs to deny oneself and follow Him. Romans 15:1-3 reinforces this by urging believers to bear with the weak and not please themselves, mirroring Christ's example of enduring trials for others' welfare rather than seeking personal comfort. I Corinthians 10:24 and 33 further emphasize seeking the well-being of others over personal profit, aligning with the pursuit of salvation for many. Colossians 3:1-2 directs focus to things above, not earthly desires, encouraging a mindset free from self-seeking. In the context of communal worship and holy days like the Feast of Tabernacles, the principle of not seeking one's own becomes a call to self-sacrificial service to God and His family. It is a reminder to evaluate how time and resources are spent, ensuring they align with what benefits God's entire family rather than personal indulgence. Thus, agape drives a constant action of service, always working for the best of the God Family, earnestly seeking not one's own but the will of the Father and the good of His Kingdom.

In the pursuit of personal desires over communal good, self-seeking emerges as a destructive force that separates individuals from God. This behavior, characterized by a lack of self-control, leads to spiritual and moral decline, as seen in the nation's current state of confusion and rebuke. Romans 2:6-10 warns that God will render to each according to their deeds, offering eternal life to those who patiently continue in doing good, but indignation and wrath to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth, following unrighteousness instead. This self-indulgence fosters tribulation and anguish, contrasting sharply with the glory, honor, and peace promised to those who work for good. Self-seeking manifests in the refusal to govern one's appetites and passions, prioritizing personal gain over obedience to God's law. It is the root of behaviors that defy righteousness, leading to a life contrary to the holiness God demands. Unlike self-control, which unifies one's actions with God's will, self-seeking fragments the harmony between divine commands and human conduct, drawing individuals away from the path of salvation. To counter this, a daily dedication to walking in God's law is essential, resisting the temptations of self-interest and embracing the patient continuance that aligns with Christ's example.

In our journey toward the Kingdom, we must cease seeking self-recognition and focus on serving God. Christ emphasized this principle, stating that the greatest among us shall be a servant. We should no longer strive for position among one another, but instead examine our motives, asking whether our actions are driven by a desire to serve or to gain for ourselves. Additionally, we must view ourselves as less than others, following the example of Paul, who considered himself less than the least of all the saints, an attitude God used mightily in his work. Above all, we must earnestly ask God for more of this fruit of His Spirit, trusting that He will provide as we seek to develop meekness in our lives.

Self-seeking, as a pervasive trait of human nature, emerges as a destructive force that fosters rivalry and division among individuals and societies. It is rooted in the competitive spirit that drives people to strive against one another for personal gain, often leading to strife, contention, and separation from both fellow man and God. This inclination, evident in the natural tendencies of the flesh, manifests in behaviors such as envy, selfishness, and bitter disputes, as highlighted in Galatians 5:19-21, where such practices are shown to prevent inheritance of the kingdom of God. The origin of this self-seeking nature traces back to the adversary, who in his competitiveness sought to challenge the Creator for rulership, setting a precedent for division that permeates human interactions. As seen in James 3:13-18, self-seeking and envy breed confusion and every evil thing, contrasting sharply with the peaceable and pure wisdom from above. James 4:1-5 further illustrates that wars and fights within communities stem from desires for pleasure and personal gain, positioning friendship with the world as enmity with God. In contrast, the path to reconciliation with God demands the rejection of self-seeking through humility and submission. James 4:6-7 urges believers to submit to God and resist the adversary, promising that God gives grace to the humble while resisting the proud. This principle is exemplified in Philippians 2:5-11, where Jesus Christ, despite His divine status, humbled Himself to the point of death, demonstrating the ultimate act of submission to God's will. His example teaches that true exaltation comes through humility and obedience, countering the divisive nature of self-seeking. Ultimately, overcoming self-seeking is essential for achieving oneness with God and others. By humbling ourselves as Christ did, we align our lives with God's right way, moving away from the rivalry and separation that self-seeking engenders, toward a state of peace and unity.

In the pursuit of personal gain and prominence, many within God's church have adopted a worldly mindset of self-seeking, mirroring the rebelliousness of Korah and his followers. This attitude, marked by presumptuousness and a desire for power, has led to division and strife, as individuals strive for lead-dog status rather than following God's lead. Such self-centeredness, evident in the actions of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, quickly spread to ensnare thousands, resulting in tragic consequences as they blamed God's chosen leaders instead of recognizing their own rebellion against Him. This same spirit of self-exaltation and arrogance plagues the church today, as self-proclaimed leaders attract followers with messages more about themselves than about glorifying God. Instead of embracing humility, meekness, and contriteness as God desires, many pursue roles and titles driven by envy and self-seeking, fostering confusion and evil. As James warns, where envy and self-seeking exist, every evil thing will be present, contrasting sharply with the pure, peaceable wisdom from above. God determines rightful leadership, placing individuals where He wills, often choosing the humble and unremarkable to fulfill His purposes. Yet, many in the church rationalize their ambitions with human reasoning, following Korah-like figures rather than surrendering to God's Spirit. True unity requires repentance and a willingness to yield, rejecting the selfish course of man for God's perfect path, ensuring that our actions reflect a humble desire to obey Him in all things.