Philippians 2:3–8
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Most things do not begin evil.
A business begins with a dream.
A government begins with order.
An invention begins with hope.
A person begins as a child.
So what happens?
How does something good become corrupted?
I believe things become evil when they become self-centered — when they lose love and forget their original purpose.
Scripture teaches that pride comes before destruction. The story of Lucifer reflects this idea. What was created to reflect God turned inward toward self-glory. Worship became self-exaltation.
That pattern still exists today.
Sometimes people rebel because they are wounded and unloved.
But sometimes people rebel because they are overly centered on themselves. They believe life revolves around their desires, their comfort, their importance.
Love teaches us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
This is why Jesus teaches sacrificial love. Love lifts others up. Love protects. Love gives. Pride consumes.
One way to test whether something is becoming corrupted is to ask:
- Am I the only one benefiting from this?
- Am I ignoring the harm this causes others?
- Is this rooted in love or ego?
- Am I trying to serve or control?
- Have I forgotten the original purpose?
Even good things can become dangerous when disconnected from love.
A product meant to help people can hurt them through negligence.
A leader meant to serve can become obsessed with power.
A gifted person can become consumed with fame.
Even religion can become corrupted when it loses mercy and humility.
The danger is not only “out there” in the world.
The danger is also within ourselves.
That is why we must constantly surrender our hearts to God.
I do not want selfishness to rule me.
I want love to rule me.
I want harmony, goodness, truth, and life.
I want to build things that help people flourish, not destroy them.
Evil grows when love disappears.
But when love leads, life flourishes.