You Mean It’s Not All About Me?

First, I strongly believe that while part of our character is genetic, most is directly related to our environment. Since becoming a teacher 6 yrs ago, each new class is increasingly self-centered. I feel like until they are actively taught it, they have no idea that there are other students in their class!

I remember when the “Golden Rule” was generally understood and considered the top class rule. All that was needed was a gentle reminder to, “remember the ‘Golden Rule,’” and problems were solved. I wanted to be treated well so I made sure I treated others that way too! On rare occasions, a student didn’t know or care, but this was only a handful of students in the whole school. I’ve got one class of 23 this year with about 6 of these kids!

Here’s the deal; every influential teacher in the Bible teaches selfLESSness. In Matthew 7:12 Jesus sums up the Old Testament and teachings of the prophets with, “so in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Later, Paul reminds the Philippians to, “look not only to [their] own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil 2:4).”

Remember on this holy weekend that building relationships is a process. Forcing your agenda down others’ throats will only drive them away. Promote others 1st, yourself 2nd.

I have, by no means, perfected this in my life, but when Christ teaches this as the gist of His ENTIRE message, I take that pretty seriously! Don’t be afraid to be a doormat sometimes. Jesus wasn’t. In fact, He considered all of us before Himself… to the point of death.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11(NIV)