OTHERS FIRST!

Sometimes it is easy to get ourselves all wrapped up in our own activities, problems and desires.  It is easy to slowly transition into putting ourselves and our wants and needs ahead of others.  When this happens, we sometimes become blinded and think we are doing right but in reality, we are harming, not only ourselves, but also those around us.  When we begin to see others isolate us from their lives, there may be some things we need to step back and take a look at.  We need to begin to remember how Jesus was compassionate and loving to those around him.  His love for all of us was so great that he gave his life so that we could live.  He put us first and shunned his own wants and desires.  He was willing to do the will of his Father in heaven rather than call all of the angels down from heaven to save himself from the terrible death on the cross.  As we begin to pattern our lives after Jesus, we must look at how we are living in this world.  Are we living by putting the needs of others first or are we living by putting ourselves first?  As Philippians 2: 3-4 tells us: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”  Because we are born with a sinful nature this is not natural to us and not easy for us to sometimes do.  Many of us must work extra hard at putting our lives in line with what our Lord desires of us.  Read, meditate, pray, believe and be a doer of the Word.  With much practice we all can become better.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!