Articles
The Big Picture
Is it hard for us to see the big picture? The bottom line is that people need to understand that everything is not about themselves. I am reminded of this little diddy about toddlers:
If I like it, it’s mine
If I can take it away from you, it’s mine.
If I had it a while ago, it’s mine.
If I say it is mine, it is mine.
If it looks like mine, it is mine.
If I saw it first, it’s mine.
If you’re having fun with it, it’s definitely mine.
If you lay it down, it’s mine
If it is broken, it’s yours.
The entire world, with one minor exception, is composed of others. Most of the people in the world do not know you and never will. I read once that if a person influenced 200 people in a given lifetime that would be extraordinary.
All this says there is a need to put others first. Paul says it this way, “In honor giving preference to one another” (Rom. 12:10). That simply means I take the lead in putting you first...but that means I must get over myself. I must give up looking out for my own interest first. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each one of you look out not only for his own interests, but also the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).
That means I must change my focus, I must get out of my own little world. Henry Ward Beecher said, “No man is more cheated than the selfish man.” That is true because he separates himself from what is most important in life: people. If we want a fulfilling life, we need healthy relationships. To have those healthy relationships requires I get over myself.
By the way, Jesus came to save lost people. He gave Himself up to do that.
Rickie
