Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV ’84)

“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 interests of others.”

Most of us are pretty good at looking out for #1…but when it comes to looking out for #2, we all need some work. Do you find yourself trying to manipulate your circumstances at home in order to serve your own best interests? Figuring out ways to get what you want, when you want it? It’s ok to care for yourself, but never at the expense of caring for others.

The crazy thing about this problem is that when you actually put others ahead of yourself…you feel much better than if you had only taken care of #1. God calls all of His Children to love Him first, then to love and care for everyone around them at least as much as they love and care for themselves. This is a hard lesson for all of us to learn, but learn it we must. As long as a family is made up of people who only look out for themselves, that family will never know peace.

APPLICATION: Agree as a family to practice taking second place for the rest of the day or perhaps for tomorrow. Let someone else use the iPad first, or pick the television show, or get the first helping of dessert. Clear someone’s place or fill up their glass or make their bed. It might be tough at first (that’s your sin nature), but you will find that it grows on you and God will bless you!