Considering Others Over And Above Self

…”I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” ~ 2 Samuel 24:24

Does it ever occur to you that the alphabet “I” is always spelt as a capital letter? All the other second or third person is only spelt in small letters e.g. you, he, she or they. Significantly, it goes to show the amount of importance that’s being attached to “I” and that importance denotes egoism, gross individualism and self-centeredness.

As a person, we tend to be selfish, caring more for self than others. We also tend to blame others than self. We can’t see our own faults or wouldn’t like to see. We place ourselves so high up on the pedestal that when we fall we fall hard. That’s when we’ll blame others even more with all kinds of self-justification, and rationalisation coming into play.

In any organisation, 20% are willing workers without personal motive or agenda, and 80% are onlookers, fence sitters and critics ever ready to complain and condemn. Genuinely, the 20% in reality are less than the stipulated figure. “What is it in it for me?” is the question that often come to mind. Can we ever be most willing to give to others without expecting anything in return? Jesus advocates serving others and to consider others more important than ourselves. Christians are expected to be Christ personified.

The above quotation from 2 Samuel 24:24 shows David as a great giver, who understood the principle of giving. It ought to cost you something to be considered a sacrificial gift. Are you willing to sacrifice yourself not just in terms of money, but also time and effort, dedication, devotion and loyalty? Give of yourself as Jesus gave unto you. I like to stress that it’s not ability that God is looking for but your availability. Most importantly, it’s your attitude more than aptitude that will scale the altitude.

Do something

Expect nothing

Rewards are there

When you least care!

Paul Chong