What's In It For Me?

For we are not like the many who market God’s message for profit. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.
(2 Corinthians 2:17, HCSB)

We live in a culture that advocates weighing every decision based on the question, "What's in it for me?"

We all struggle with this concept everyday of our lives when we are . . .

• Asked to do something.  What's in it for me?
• Challenged to change.  What's in it for me?
• Seeking a promotion.  What's in it for me?
• Asked to serve in the church. What's in it for me?

But, what about when we teach the Word of God to our groups? Do we approach our weekly commitment as teachers with the question, "What's in it for me?" If we do, we might lean toward this type of thinking:

Will they . . .

• Like me as a teacher?
• Show appreciation to me?
• Tell others that I am an incredible teacher?
• Give me a gift at Christmas to show me how much they love me?
• Include me in their circle of friends?
• Appreciate all the time I give to this group each week?
• Accept me if I teach the difficult passages in the Bible?

If we get caught up in the "What's in it for me?" philosophy, we will eventually give up.  You see, teaching is not about the profit we gain. It is about the pleasure it gives to the Father.

Father, I pray that, as we plan from week to week to lead the groups you have sent us to teach, we will remember it is not about our profit - it's not about me.  It is about pleasing You. May we speak to our groups as if we are speaking to You. May we not forget that it is You who has sent us.