Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.

Philippians 2:3-4, New International Version

How often do we really think about others? We are often so caught up in our own worries and concerns that the interests of others most often escape our attention.

I've noticed this especially in traffic. When's the last time you let somebody in front of you who has waited forever to get into the flow of traffic. Instead of making room and accomodating others, we push our car as close to the bumper of the car in front of us as possible. We send the unmistakable signal, "you're not getting in front of me." What harm does it do to let someone ahead of you? What harm does it do to stop thinking only of your interests, and consider the interests of other ... even if it's just in traffic?

But, traffic is a metaphor for the rest of our lives. So often we send the signals to those around us that they're just not as important to us as we, ourselves, are. We do nearly everything out of vain conceit. Paul reminds us, as Christians especially, we are to act out of humility, considering others better than ourselves. That's hard, especially if the person before is someone you don't like. But, we have to learn to put others first sometimes.

I say "sometimes" because Paul does tell us it's okay to look after our own interests. We have to take care of ourselves, or we'll be of no use to anyone else. But, it must be done in moderation. We should always remember what's best for others, even as we try to look out for our own interests. It's a tough balance, and one I certainly haven't mastered. I try, however, to step into the shoes of others on a daily basis, and try to see the world through their eyes. I try to be considerate of their feelings and their interests.

Try it today. Let somebody out in traffic, let someone else have the choice parking space, let somebody tell you their problems for a change. Stop thinking about yourself just for a minute today, and consider what's best for those around you. You'll find your own soul lifted just a bit higher.

Blessings,

Candace