PUT OTHERS FIRST
Balancing Acts: Navigating Selflessness and Personal Goals
How can we help others without forgetting our dreams? I love the Bible, and in 1 Corinthians 10:24, Paul says, “Don’t just think about what’s good for you but also what’s good for others.” Do you know the game Catan?
If you haven’t played it, here’s a quick explanation: You put your village where three things meet on the game board. There are five things you can collect. Numbers are put on each piece of the board. When someone rolls the number you’re on, you get that thing. You use these things to build and get special cards.
The aim is to make towns, cities, and roads, and finish the game when you collect enough points. You earn points by building and doing a few other things. When we played yesterday, my 10-year-old daughter was doing well, getting lots of different things.
At times, she had so many things that the game ran out of cards. She would trade cards on her turn to avoid this. In the game, you can exchange cards, but both players need to agree for the trade to work.
As we traded with her, she was happy to make deals, even if it didn’t always benefit her. You might be wondering, “Dan, why are you teaching your daughter to make deals that don’t always help her?”
Guess what? She always had extra. And she was kind, not finishing the game too quickly. She wanted to be generous so the game would last a bit longer. She got more cards, and people kept trading with her to help her get the cards she needed.
The more she shared, the more she received.
Here are some simple ways to prioritize others’ needs over our own:
- Letting Others Go First: Allow someone to go ahead of you in line, showing courtesy in everyday situations.
- Offering Rides: Offer someone a ride, even if it means you might be a bit late for church or work.
- Giving Up Your Seat: Consider standing on the bus to give your seat to someone who may need it more.
- Helping with Chores: Assist your neighbor by mowing their lawn, especially if yours also needs attention.
- Sharing Food: opt to let someone else have the last piece of pizza, embracing a generous spirit.
- Walking Instead of Driving: If feasible, choose to walk so someone else can use your car.
- Generous Acts: In more significant gestures, consider giving someone your car if they need it more than you do.
Putting others first might sound easy, but it’s a bit tricky. As humans, we tend to focus a lot on ourselves. If we don’t see a personal benefit, it can be tough for us to prioritize others.
Why do we work? To get money for our living. Why do we get vehicles? So, we can go to the places we like. Why do we do anything?
We believe it will help us in some way. So, why should we prioritize others if we usually do what benefits us the most? How does putting someone else’s needs first lead to success for us?
The analogy from the game is effective, albeit on a modest level. By sharing her cards, my daughter gained access to various items she required through trading. This simple act of generosity in the game mirrors how selflessness can lead to unexpected benefits and positive outcomes in real-life situations.
Another crucial point to keep in mind is.
This crucial principle is akin to airplane safety instructions. In case of an emergency, oxygen masks deploy, and the key is to secure your mask first before assisting others around you.
First, if you can’t help yourself, how can you help others? Here’s the point: It’s tough and not wise to take financial advice from someone struggling with their finances.
Consider this: Would you take advice on getting out of credit card debt from someone drowning in it? Or heed business growth advice from someone whose own business is failing? Would you trust guidance on improving company culture from a leader whose company culture isn’t what you desire?
The answers to all of the questions are,
NOT A CHANCE!
Before offering advice, ensuring we’re on the right path is vital. However, the end route to our success doesn’t mean neglecting others. Opportunities to assist and contribute are abundant, even as we pursue personal growth and achievement.
Tony Robbins emphasizes, “If you don’t like money, you haven’t given enough away.” Some might argue, “He has plenty to spare.” Yet, in the book of Mark, Jesus observed people contributing to the temple treasury. While the wealthy gave generously, a poor widow’s meager offering, all she had, drew Jesus’ praise, highlighting the profound impact of sacrificial giving.
A poor widow gave two small coins, only worth a little. Jesus called his disciples, saying, “She gave more than all others. They gave from their wealth, but she, in her poverty, gave everything—her whole living.” (Mark 12:41-44) This amazing lady believed God would bless her and trusted Him to take care of her.
Today, I want to inspire everyone to find ways to help others. Seek someone in need and offer your help. Find someone you can assist and go out of your way to do so. Step out and prioritize others, and you’ll see how much further you go by giving more than ever before.
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