life's big lesson

Today's reading from the One Year Bible comes from Philippians 1:27-2:18. Paul tells us that it's important for us to put other people's needs ahead of our own.

And that's one of the biggest lessons we need to learn in life. Much of what our lives mean come down to this one simple thing. When we're born, we naturally put ourselves first. As we grow up, we continue to act selfishly for many years. For some, when they become parents they learn to love someone else more than they love themselves. For others, it's when they fall in love. But for many, it takes a conscious effort. It's not an easy thing to do.

For many, it's one step at a time. Baby steps, one in front of the other. Learning to help others in small ways. Putting the needs of others before our own in little, easy to manage ways. And notice, this doesn't mean ignoring our own needs. We DO have to meet our needs, too, or we will quickly dry up and be worthless to everyone.

But let's try to practice this, a little maybe? Today. In what way can you put someone else first today?

God, thank You for teaching us how to love - please help us to learn how to put others first.