Put yourself aside

Cheesecake.  "I think I would like some cheesecake."  My wife asked me "do we need cheesecake?"  "Need?"  "Well, no I guess we don't "need" cheesecake, but I would sure like some."  My wife wasn't playing along.  As I thought about this desire of mine, I reflected on how it easy it is for me to think of myself.  In fact I don't even have to make an effort to consider my needs, my wants, my desires, my comfort, my perspective.  I am consistently aware of "me" both consciously and subconsciously.  What's much harder for me is to think about all of the above in relation to others.  What are their needs, wants, desires, comfort, perspective.  Now that takes effort.

"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you , if you have a heart, if you care--then do me a favor:  Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.  Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top.  Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.  Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage.  Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." --Philippians 2:1-4  The Message

Wow!  Is that possible?  Let me crystallize the above challenge down for you (but mostly for me)  Are you ready?  Okay, here it is: 

"Put yourself aside". 

Did you get it?  (I know I haven't yet)  It's really that simple. 

Okay, maybe putting ourselves aside is not so simple to practice, but I think it's pretty plain to understand.  As long as I am consumed with me I have no capacity to truly serve other people.  I am too busy serving myself.

I can't tell you how many times I have had that phrase ringing in my ears over that last few days after reading through that section of scripture again:

"Dave can you make dinner tonight?" (Put yourself aside) 

"Dad, can you play basketball with me?" (Put yourself aside) 

"Would you go to the grocery store please?" (Put yourself aside)

"I don't think that idea is the best one"  (Put yourself aside)

"Why are they asking me to do that?!"  (Put yourself aside)   

There are countless moments in my day when I am challenged to make a choice between thinking of myself or serving the needs of others.  "Put yourself aside".  (There it is again)  If I don't hear this admonition in those moments I miss out on opportunities to serve others.  If I don't hear this plea I will miss out on living my life with the world transforming principle of thinking of others as better than myself, and helping them get ahead. 

What would the world look like if we were truly accomplished at this?

Put yourself aside for a minute and see what God shows you.

Comments

[Donna]

I like this post. Straightforward. Gotta go run and see if this applies to me...I am certain it doesn't :^)

[Rob]

Great thoughts and challenge.

[Marc]

As I realize how much grace has been extended to me, it makes it easier to put myself aside and share that joy with others. I've recently been challenged to treat others in the same way I know the Lord loves me. Even people I don't like...