“There is no doubt that people will act in their own self-interest. It is inherent in sin.” (Father Stephen Freeman)
“Power and self-interest may appear successful in the short run, but they do not ultimately “work” in a world created by a good and just God. Therefore cruel, selfish power is not only sinful, but stupid. It brings about loneliness, emptiness, and destruction. Faithfulness, integrity, unselfish service, and love are not only right but wise, because they fit the fabric of reality.” (Pastor Timothy Keller)
“When self-interest continues as the dominant commitment of our lives, when we devote our energy to serving ourselves above all others, then we are wrongly self-centered. And this form of self-interest is a far more serious and dangerous problem than the wounds we suffer at the hands of others. But very few people even notice their commitment to self-interest, and among those who do, even fewer are deeply concerned about it.” (Larry Crabb)
“Sooner or later, every disciple of the Lord fails Him by pursuing his own self-interest. Were it not for the Cross and the Lord’s forgiveness, His Resurrection and the gifts of the Spirit, our failings would leave us in utter despair.” (Dynamis 2/18/2014)
“The divine will is preferable to every other good. Shake off, then, all self-interest, and live by faith and abandonment.” (François Fénelon and Jeanne Guyon)