"Do nothing out of selfish ambition
or vain conceit,
but in humility consider
others better than yourself.
Each of you should look
not only to your own interests,
but to the interests of others."
-Philippians 2:3-4
When speaking with my own children, I often use the theme in the Scripture above to point out that they are not the center of the universe! It's a huge challenge for youth to remove themselves from a situation and see the needs of others before their own. After all, we live in a society that often still quotes: "Look out for number one!" A teenager thinks and responds completely different than an adult -- much to parents' chagrin. Teenagers tend to be self-conscious and egocentric. These are typical characteristics of a teenager, and as they mature both emotionally and spiritually we will see the fruits of our "labor" as a parent, grandparent, or friend of a youth.
Oh, wait a minute! Should I only be referring to youth when I say these things? Oops, I think I'm guity of being self-conscious and egocentric, too! Am I looking out for the needs of others? Am I only out for number one? Uh oh! Am I in my own comfort zone? Or am I reaching out to make sure I am being Christ's hands and feet and looking out for the interests of others and putting others first?
Maybe this is my own wake up call that I need to be aware that others need me -- others need to know and feel God's love through me. It's not all about me in this life. Isn't it about looking out for others instead of looking out for number one?
Does this ring true for you, too? That is one of the reasons I am blessed to be a member of CCPC. We have so many opportunities to reach out and help those in need so that they may know and see God's love. I am grateful for this community of believers who seek to do God's will and not stay in its comfort zone.
Thanks be to God! So, if you desire to put others first, look for the daily ways to do just that -- in your home, at work, at church, or in your community. And give God the glory!
