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Cases of perplexity and difficulty as to the separate actions of Christians may often be decided by the application of a general principle. If we possess this, and both know how to bring it to bear and have the disposition and purpose to do so, we shall not be at a loss as to how to conduct ourselves in the circumstances and relations of practical life. This will serve us better than a code of laws, a book of casuistry, a human oracle. How could we desire a nobler law than this, which was laid down for the guidance of the Corinthians in deciding upon their intercourse with heathen neighbours? - "Let no one seek his own, but every one his neighbour's good."

I. A CAUTION. "Let no one seek his own."

1. Now, this is a very necessary caution, for that which is here condemned is what most persons are in danger of doing, and what even society encourages men to do, and praises them for doing.

2. And such action is even sanctioned by a certain view of religion. Under pretence, perhaps with a sincere intention of promoting their own salvation, men sometimes overlook the claims of others upon their interest and services. Thus monks and hermits and other selfish religionists have retired from the world, to make sure of their own spiritual welfare.

3. Yet it is not intended to forbid or censure a due attention, on the part of every Christian, to his own welfare, bodily and spiritually. There have been those who in bitter anguish have exclaimed, "They made us keepers of the vineyard, but our own vineyard have we not kept." One thing ought we to do, yet not to leave the other undone.

II. A RULE. "Let every one seek his neighbour's good."

1. It is a rule which expressly applies to all. Whatever a person's position in the family, in the Church, in society, he is equally under obligation to self denial, benevolence, and helpfulness. "Bear ye one another's burdens."

2. There is abundant scope in human society for such unselfish effort. There are the ignorant to instruct, the sad to console, the miserable to relieve, the young to protect, the sinner to restore, etc.

3. The rule may be especially obeyed by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. The want of the gospel being the root of human ills, the supply of the gospel is the radical cure. Paul's missionary life was a proof that it was in this light he regarded his brethren of this sinful race; in his toils and his sufferings he was ever seeking the good of all.

III. A MOTIVE. This is not expressed, but it is implied; for the apostle wrote as a Christian, and assumed the action and operation of distinctively Christian principles.

1. The example of Christ's life and death was an example of unselfishness; m all he did and said he left us an example that we should follow in his steps.

2. Christ's love and sacrifice constitute the moral power of benevolence. He died for us that we might live for others - first to him, and then to those for whom he died. His death is the death of selfishness; for this sin was nailed to his cross.

3. It is assumed that, in the conflict with natural selfishness, and in the new and holy life of benevolence, we seek and receive the aid and guidance of the Holy Spirit of God. - T.

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KJV: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

WEB: Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbor's good.