WHOSE INTEREST?

Dearly Beloved, WHOSE INTEREST? “But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:4-6, NKJV). Judas Iscariot condemned the act of Mary, Martha's sister, who came to anoint the feet of Jesus Christ with expensive perfume. He argued that the “wasted” perfume should be sold, and the sale proceeds should be given to the poor. One would have thought that he really had the interest of the poor in mind when he gave the suggestion, but it was revealed that he did not have the interest of the poor but his own selfish interest. He just used the poor as a cover-up for his own personal interest. Many people have the same attitude as that of Judas Iscariot. They have good plans, suggestions and programs for the less privileged and others around them, but in most cases, the benefits of these good things are not for the people; their original intention is how they – the originators of the plans, suggestions and programs – will benefit from such action. Yes, there are good plans, suggestions and programs that are purely designed for the less privileged and other people, and the originator of these plans, suggestions and programs have a genuine interest in the people they designed them for. However, what is your intention in initiating a plan, suggestion, program, or even a ministry? Whose interest are you in initiating such plans, suggestions, programs or ministry? The writer of the book of Proverbs says, “We may think we are doing the right thing, but the Lord always knows what is in our hearts” (21:2, CEV). In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will always have good intentions in initiating or supporting any plan, suggestion, or program.