Putting Others First

From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries

Philippians 2:3 "Never act out of rivalry or conceit; rather be humble and look to others' interests rather than your own."

A man bought a new television and some of his neighbors were helping him install the antenna on the roof. They weren't making much headway until a new guy showed up with a big fancy toolbox and finished the job lickety-split. As they stood around congratulating themselves, they asked the new neighbor what he made with such elaborate tools. Grinning, he replied, "Friends, mostly!"

Unfortunately that kind of helpful behavior has ceased to be the norm in our world today: selfishness has become standard procedure. The Bible says: "As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed… self-promoting… dog-eat-dog… the kind … who smooth-talk… and take advantage." (2 Timothy 3:1-6). Have you noticed any of that lately? Try sliding into a parking space another motorist wants, or watching shoppers in the checkout line elbowing one another to save 30 seconds! And while we're on the subject, how about 'your seat' in church; the one you've been warming for 30 years?

The principle of putting others first didn't originate as a public relations strategy, it came directly from the God who inspired Paul to write, "...be humble and look to others' interests rather than your own." Jesus Himself said, "Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb… Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them." (Matthew 7:12). So next time somebody cuts you off in traffic or treats you with less courtesy and consideration than you expect, instead of getting ticked off and retaliating, use it as an opportunity to practice putting the other guy first.