A few weeks ago, I walked into the gym where we hold church to find blue painters’ tape laid out much like crime scene tape. These particular markers ran from the two tables flanking the soundboard back six feet to the corners of the table supporting the rear screen, effectively blocking anyone from walking through that area.
It’s not that there was a spill or mess on the floor (we serve coffee and doughnuts before church; a spill is not an unlikely occurrence) from which people had to be protected. Rather, the tape was there to prevent people from walking in front of the screen from which the worship team was reading the words to the songs.
Amazing, isn’t it, how often we need to be reminded to put the needs of others first. It seems such a little thing, to not take a shortcut to a seat by walking in front of the screen, but to the singers, it makes a world of difference that they can see the words with no interruptions.
Thinking more of others and less of self is not the current style. Those who put others first are thought of as weak and foolish, unlikely to attain their dreams because they have taken the focus off of themselves.
But that’s not the way God wants it.
It’s not that there was a spill or mess on the floor (we serve coffee and doughnuts before church; a spill is not an unlikely occurrence) from which people had to be protected. Rather, the tape was there to prevent people from walking in front of the screen from which the worship team was reading the words to the songs.
Amazing, isn’t it, how often we need to be reminded to put the needs of others first. It seems such a little thing, to not take a shortcut to a seat by walking in front of the screen, but to the singers, it makes a world of difference that they can see the words with no interruptions.
Thinking more of others and less of self is not the current style. Those who put others first are thought of as weak and foolish, unlikely to attain their dreams because they have taken the focus off of themselves.
But that’s not the way God wants it.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Phil 2:3-4 (ESV)
It doesn't take much to start looking out for others. Make coffee when the pot is almost empty. Skip your favorite television show to spend time playing a board game with your kids. Take the time to listen to the friend who lost her job, even though you have a million things to get done. Give to a food pantry - not just at the holidays, but plan gifts as part of your usual shopping. Put the toilet seat down.
Really.
Paul continues in his letter to the Philippian church by citing the greatest example of One who looked out for the interests of others: Jesus.
There's no one I'd rather follow.
Really.
Paul continues in his letter to the Philippian church by citing the greatest example of One who looked out for the interests of others: Jesus.
There's no one I'd rather follow.
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