“For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity]” (Matthew 16:25 AMP). This scripture, throughout the years, has demonstrated to society the true notion behind the pursuit of self-interest. The second chapter within Staplefords’ book “Bulls, Bears, and Golden Calves” discusses the importance of pursuing self-interest both economically and morally. It is through this chapter that a future economists realize how to adapt with self-interest in both areas of ones’ life. The first aspect discussed is the pursuit of self-interest economically. Self-interest is defined as a concern for one’s
…show more content…
Although most people believe that the pursuit of self-interest allows for one to ultimately seek our their goals in life, (Role, 1) it also helps deface the values that society obtains from the Bible and holds to be true, as discussed by Christians. Jesus calls for us, as Christians, to lay aside our self-interest in order to seek our His will in accordance to our lives. Fulfilling this becomes a true test of knowledge, as it is hard on all and only few truly complete. I myself have often failed the test and have allowed my own self-interest to overtake the commands that God has for my life. Also because of this, I have learned to look back at those aspects within my life as learning modules in which I was able to grow and ultimately become a new person. This is why pursuing self-interest is frowned upon by God. He does not wish for our lives to be be without the basic necessities… but instead wants us to make sure that our priorities are straight in life (Stapleford, 45). “Jesus is calling us to an ‘enlightened’ self-interest. Not the enlightened self interest where restraining evil impulses and performing external deeds of righteousness brings the utilitarian praise of our peers. Rather, he calls us to a genuine refocusing of our internal and external lives to his kingdom” (Stapleford, …show more content…
I honestly did not agree with the aspect that the pursuit of self-interest helps to stabilize the economy, but I believe that my disagreement stems from my lack of experience with the topic (economically speaking that is). After discussing the issue with my aunt (who works in the law firm business) I was able to comprehend more of the importance of its true importance within stabilizing the economy for the society as a whole. It not only helps the economical growth in our peripheral viewpoint, but in retrospect helps the economy outside the areas we normally can see. It allows for growth in small businesses while also allowing for the large businesses to stay afloat. I was amazed to see how this truly happens with the realization of its little regard for others necessities. However, it is because of the little regard for others that has always caused me to question why self-interest is viewed as an immoral aspect of life to Christians. Growing up as a pastors daughter, I have always heard that to pursue ones’ self-interest instead of Gods’ will is a terrible notion since it does not account for others within society. This has allowed for me to have some experience with pursuing self-interest through our moral beliefs. Pursuing self-interest allows for one to do as they wish without allowing God to have full
Although most people believe that the pursuit of self-interest allows for one to ultimately seek our their goals in life, (Role, 1) it also helps deface the values that society obtains from the Bible and holds to be true, as discussed by Christians. Jesus calls for us, as Christians, to lay aside our self-interest in order to seek our His will in accordance to our lives. Fulfilling this becomes a true test of knowledge, as it is hard on all and only few truly complete. I myself have often failed the test and have allowed my own self-interest to overtake the commands that God has for my life. Also because of this, I have learned to look back at those aspects within my life as learning modules in which I was able to grow and ultimately become a new person. This is why pursuing self-interest is frowned upon by God. He does not wish for our lives to be be without the basic necessities… but instead wants us to make sure that our priorities are straight in life (Stapleford, 45). “Jesus is calling us to an ‘enlightened’ self-interest. Not the enlightened self interest where restraining evil impulses and performing external deeds of righteousness brings the utilitarian praise of our peers. Rather, he calls us to a genuine refocusing of our internal and external lives to his kingdom” (Stapleford, …show more content…
I honestly did not agree with the aspect that the pursuit of self-interest helps to stabilize the economy, but I believe that my disagreement stems from my lack of experience with the topic (economically speaking that is). After discussing the issue with my aunt (who works in the law firm business) I was able to comprehend more of the importance of its true importance within stabilizing the economy for the society as a whole. It not only helps the economical growth in our peripheral viewpoint, but in retrospect helps the economy outside the areas we normally can see. It allows for growth in small businesses while also allowing for the large businesses to stay afloat. I was amazed to see how this truly happens with the realization of its little regard for others necessities. However, it is because of the little regard for others that has always caused me to question why self-interest is viewed as an immoral aspect of life to Christians. Growing up as a pastors daughter, I have always heard that to pursue ones’ self-interest instead of Gods’ will is a terrible notion since it does not account for others within society. This has allowed for me to have some experience with pursuing self-interest through our moral beliefs. Pursuing self-interest allows for one to do as they wish without allowing God to have full