“Others First”

“And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friend.”

John 15:13

 

“It’s my turn to sit up front!” This was a daily battle with my children. So to remedy the jockeying for the shot gun position in the front seat. I let them choose “odd” or “even”. So depending on if it was an odd or even day of the week determined if it was “your” turn that day to sit in the front seat. Everybody wants to get his or her own way; age plays no part.

Putting others first doesn’t come natural to us. The competition of getting the last chicken leg at Sunday dinner or betting the other car out of the closer parking space is a natural reflex for us. But isn’t it nice when someone stops and lets you pull out in the traffic congestion or offers you the last slice of cake?

God put us first by giving His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross of us. Most likely we will never be asked for the ultimate sacrifice, to give our life for someone. But could you make a small sacrifice each day to put someone’s needs above yours?

Application

Who did you smile at today and say, “No, you go first”?

Prayer

Help me to be intentionally unselfish and look for ways to put other first.