How hard it is to think of others before thinking of self?
At times we find ourselves in a society that encourages self-interest, but thankfully, there are still many compassionate individuals who strive to follow the example, of Jesus, placing others’ needs before their own.
Our Lord set the pattern. I’m thinking of so many who have given of themselves maybe through financial means or through serving. They don’t want anything in return.
When some young ladies found out my wife was very ill, without exception, they said they were praying for her. And there have been so many who have prayed for my wife and for me.
A young man named Will Burrell, from Long Island is a teen who runs Will’s Smashburgers, a business where veterans eat for free. He was asked why he did this. And he responded that he wanted to help. Isn’t refreshing to learn about someone willing to help others?
Jesus taught that His followers were to be servants. It wasn’t a religion about self. It was about serving others.
Our Lord emphasizes the importance of serving others as a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, teach ng that true greatness comes from humility and service. Jesus exemplified service throughout His life. In Mark 10:45, He states, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” With Thanksgiving all but upon us, we thank God that we can help others. I am glad there are young people who want to serve. Thankfully there are those who are at least trying to help others like Will Burell.
The old Apostle Paul said something in Philippians 2:1-8 that we need to hear: “Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross.
