Does the bible say anything about how we shouldnt be motivated by self benefit but rather something else?

Question

I'm trying to show that Capitolism is a quick fix solution for Socialism (since in Socialism, people lose motivation to do their work since they're getting paid anyway, so they do a shitty job) and my argument is the problem is our morals rather than our motivation. If we're not doing a good job because theres "nothing in it for us" then those are clearly bad morals and is the bigger problem.

My argument is with a religious man so I figure if I can find some examples of the bible in which Jesus or someone says something about how we shouldn't be in it for ourselves and self gain that will get me major points.

Any tips?

Could I get some direct quotes or passages please?

To clear things up (mainly for the dense "nondescript"), I'm not catholic but my opponent is, which makes arguing with him very difficult as I have limited knowledge of the Bible.

Fight fire with fire, jerk.

Answer 1

Romans 12:10-11 NASB "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;"


Philippians 2:3-9 NASB "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."


1 Corinthians 10:24 NASB "Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor."

Answer 2

I do not have my bible here with me at the moment but I remeber Jesus saying that we are not saved by good works alone. A person can be good and do good for others but that will not get them into heaven. They need to know the Lord, believe in Jesus as their personal savior who was the sacrifice for our sins & the sinful nature that is not of God - to turn from sinning and instead live the way the Lord has intended. You can't lose when you go the path the Lord has set. There's lesser problems with not being caught up into addictions and other stuff out there, having love in your heart (which reduces stress and you feel better) , and bascially becoming better person during the process- thats motivating for one! Hope this helps and God bless.

Answer 3

Who cares what the Bible says? It isn't very relavent in today's world. Self-benefit is a generally a good thing, IMO. There are ways of benefitting oneself that are better than others. There are pros and cons to each.

Instead of being a morally lazy religious person who gets their morality spoon-fed, try thinking for yourself why things are good or bad.

Answer 4

Do what feels right in your heart.(I don't believe in your God)

Answer 5

yup

Answer 6

I THINK IT IS WRONG BUT I AM NOT REALLY SURE IF GOD WOULD BUT I AM PRETTY SURE HE WOULD NOT LIKE IT.