1 Corinthians 10:24 (KJV)
Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
As followers of the Christian faith, we hold the honor and obligation of personifying Jesus Christ through our daily actions and character. This responsibility necessitates a deep understanding of the theological and practical aspects of our beliefs and a commitment to consistently live out these principles in our interactions with others. Keeping our consciences pure by refraining from doing things we know are wrong, Apostle Paul admonishes us not to be motivated by selfish or personal ambition. He says we should count others more significant than ourselves. That is, our thoughts and opinions of others should far exceed ours. In other words, rather than considering ourselves glorious and setting ourselves on a pedestal, we should see everyone else as glorious and worthy of higher consideration. The truth is that we are sometimes selfish. Yet, we never think about how, in the process, we have wounded a brother and hurt the Lord. While selfish ambition and pride can ruin unity, genuine humility can build it. Getting caught up in competition, aggressive acquiring, and vying for our rights and needs is easy. But compared to knowing Christ, these interests seem shallow. As individuals who hold a belief system, we mustn’t confine ourselves to our interests; instead, we must demonstrate an interest in the affairs of others. Christians have the responsibility to represent Jesus Christ in the world. We are to live as channels of divine mercy and kindness within the Church and the world. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Focusing on others attracts focus from Heaven. When we are concerned about others, God cares for our desires. In other words, when we know how to put the interests of others first and bless them, doors cannot close against us. As Christians, be gracious enough to help others and love them enough to care about them. We are God’s outstretched arm of blessings, love, and care to this world. So, let the interests of others be our priority. We may be praying and asking God to change our stories or shift our lives to the next level; why not pray for others, just as Job did for his friends? Job 42:10 says, “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Pray for other people and families rather than being overwhelmed by the issues in our lives. When we live with this consciousness, miracles will happen in our lives without us having to ask. Our light must shine so much that the reflection would brighten the paths of others in darkness and thereby bring glory to God. It is far better to use the abilities God has given us to glorify Him and help others than use them to puff ourselves up. Never be the first through the door; our time is not more precious than anyone’s, nor are our rights more important than someone’s.
Beloved, God is calling you to love and care for one another. Trust God to give you the strength to die to yourself daily. As you die to self, value others, for it is in your giving that your growth comes, for you cannot love without giving. Make life better for others today by loving and helping them. Embrace the mindset of lifting others to greater heights in life with the confidence that this approach will ultimately lead to your own success. By prioritizing the growth and success of those around you, you can create a culture of positivity, productivity, and innovation that will benefit everyone involved. Seek to walk in spirit and truth and to love as Christ loved you so that whatever you do in word or deed, you do all to the glory of God. The truth is pure joy comes when the people around you are also happy. So, start planting one good seed after another, and eventually, you’ll enjoy a good harvest. Kindness isn’t so much what you do for yourself but for others. Have a determination to show someone kindness, which only God can repay. As you start this new day, the love of God shall overshadow your life. Today, receive the GRACE to make a mark on somebody’s life in the Name of Jesus! Endeavor to correct, strengthen, and encourage each other in love along the way, making sure not to destroy anyone who falls into an error because of one weakness or the other. Remember that whatever you’ve been casting out is always what you find down the road.
O Lord, deliver me from selfishness and a self-centered attitude. Help me put others first in Jesus’ Name.