Skip to content

When you say, “I’ll serve, as long as I’m getting benefits…

“When you say, “I’ll serve, as long as I’m getting benefits from it,” that’s not actually serving people; it’s serving yourself through them. That’s not circling them, orbiting around them; it’s using them, getting them to orbit around you.” quote by Timothy Keller
Download Open image
““When you say, “I’ll serve, as long as I’m getting benefits from it,” that’s not actually serving people; it’s serving yourself through them. That’s not circling them, orbiting around them; it’s using them, getting them to orbit around you.””

Timothy Keller

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Serving others only for personal gain is selfish, not true service; it exploits people rather than honors them.

In simple terms: Selfish motives corrupt genuine service.

Key Takeaway

Serve without expecting personal benefit.

Themes

service selfishness ethics leadership

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • volunteering
  • leadership
  • team management
  • customer service

Key Concepts

altruism exploitation motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure your actions benefit others, not just yourself?
  • What checks can prevent self‑serving motives?
A Different Perspective

True service requires humility and selflessness.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Timothy Keller

Explore all 843 Timothy Keller quotes

More Serving quotes

Browse all 1,113 Serving quotes