Putting Others First

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:3-4

Have you heard that the way to spell JOY is Jesus-Others-Yourself? That means you have real joy when you put Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. It’s more than just a cute acrostic. It’s true!

In today’s verses Paul told the Philippian believers how to have unity and how to care for one another. The same is true for believers today. Being part of the body of Christ is an honor. Believers are all brothers and sisters in Christ. And it’s important that they have the unity that comes from being in the family of God.

One of the biggest hindrances to unity is wanting your own way. If everyone tries to get her way or to have her needs met first, there is no unity. God wants his princesses to do things out of love for one another, not out of selfishness. This doesn’t mean that you and your interests aren’t important. It means that to truly live the way God wants you to means putting others first.

What happens when all Christians try to do that? They listen to one another. They share their needs. They ask how they can help others. They look beyond their own points of view to see another person’s point of view. They find a way to work together. They look at what needs to be done, not at what they need. They look for the best way to do it, not at their own preference for how to do it.

Sadly, many Christians forget to do this. When that happens, people are at odds with one another. Friendships break up, and sometimes churches even divide over things that don’t really matter, like the color of the new carpet or the exact type of Bible that is used.

As God’s princess you have a chance to do things God’s way and put other people’s needs ahead of your own. You have the chance to set the example in putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. That is the real way to have joy.

Use a poster board and markers or felt and puff paints to make a poster that says

• Jesus
• Others
• Yourself

Hang it where you will see it every day.