Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
June 28, 1962
NUMBER 9, PAGE 8

"Look Out For Number One"

Jack L. Holt

The above expression reflects the philosophy of many in the world today. This class of people is interested only in the promotion and welfare of themselves. Their whole life is lived, "looking out for number one." I have read this truth somewhere: "Lots of people conduct their lives on the cafeteria plan — self service only." All of us are aware of the truth of this and it may be that we are acquainted with living examples of this truth. This philosophy was in the church in Paul's day, and tragically, in the church today. Paul spoke of some who "seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's (Phil. 2:21). Too many in the church today have no concern for the welfare, the rights, the sorrows and troubles of others. They, therefore, have not the time nor the disposition to help a brother bear his burdens for they are too busy "looking out for number one."

Is there one among us who believes such an attitude becomes a child of God? Can one who partakes of the Spirit of Christ be unmoved or unconcerned about the welfare of his brethren? Will any preach that such an attitude is consistent with Christian character? Yet. how many practice such teaching? Speaking of His mission Jesus said: "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many." (Matt. 20:28) Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. All Christians may be divided into two classes: those who live to give, and those who live to get. One asks: "What can I do to serve," the other asks: "What's in it for me."

Now lest I be misunderstood, I certainly do not meats to teach that a Christian must not be interested in his own salvation, and in this respect "look out for number one." But, that in seeking salvation, a Christian must also look out for his brother. This is essential to his own salvation. He who would save his own soul must be interested in the salvation of others. We are indeed, "our brother's keeper" And the scriptures teach, "that he who loves God, must love his brother also (I John 4:21)." Love involves the will, and will impels one to act. Hence, one who loves his brother will act in his behalf. Love is fully known or revealed by the action it prompts. Considering the lack of action on the part of many toward the lost we must conclude that their professed love is merely a profession. John said: "Hereby perceive we the love of God...." (1 John 3:16) By this expression he is saying that by God's acting in our behalf in sending His Son, we can understand what love really is. How do we act or react to our brother? Are we like Christ, touched by the feeling of a brother's infirmity? Are we cold, indifferent and hostile to his needs? To be acceptable with God, we must be able, "To weep with them that weep and to rejoice with them that rejoice (Rom. 12:15)." This love will cause us to share our goods with a needy brother, and will prompt us to leave the "ninety and nine and seek the lost." It will cause us to "restore such a one in the spirit of meekness...." (Gal. 6:1)

A member of the church who is interested only in "number one," is not practicing what he professes. He is too selfish to be a Christian. Christians are to have the mind of Christ who gave up heaven's glory to suffer for us. Christians, begin looking for the good in others, and for ways to do them good. "Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32)." The right way to "look out for number one" is to look out for others. "Look not every man on his own wealth (good) but also on the wealth of others. (Phil. 2:3)."

— Longview, Texas