What We Look Like When We Put Others First, Part 2

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Scripture: Titus 3:1-2

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

Insights: I just looked over yesterday’s blog and realized I only wrote about two of the three things I was supposed to.  I will try to get all four in this blog.  The third way we put others first is by serving them.  I think it is incredibly difficult to put yourself first and serve another person.  This one act may be the epitome of putting others first.  In a similar vein is the fourth way we put others first and that is by speaking well of them.  The text literally states not to malign others.  If we are not maligning them, then the positive is we are speaking well of them.  Unfortunately, in our gossip driven and hurtful society we often times malign and do not speak well of others, but if we are truly putting others first, then we will do this fourth thing.  The fifth this is to be peaceful and gentle.  Paul writes in another letter to be at peace with others as far as it depends on you.  If you are living in peace with others, then you are going to be gentle with them.  In other words, you are not going to be overtly harsh or confrontational.  You are going to try and live in unity and harmony together.  The final thing we do if we are putting others first is we are considerate of their opinions.  Now, being considerate of another opinion is not the same thing as agreeing with that opinion.  For example, there are many Democrats who read the Scriptures and think they are the ones correctly reading the Bible.  There are equally as many Republicans who read the Scriptures and think they are the ones correctly reading the Bible.  And we could say the same for every sub party as well.  Here is the point.  If you are a Democrat, you are more than likely not going to be swayed to switch political parties and the same would be true for the Republican.  Could you, however, be considerate of the other persons point of view and have a rational conversation with them about the opposing ideologies?  This question is the point regarding this last way we live by putting others first.  We do not have to agree, but can we be civil.  As I watch the current election before us, it would seem we cannot as a people be considerate of one another.  If we are a Christ-follower, however, then we must be.  Let us put others first.

Questions:

1. Are you serving and speaking well of others?

2. Are you peaceful, gentle and considerate of others?

Prayer: Father, grow me to see others as You see them and then grant me a heart of service.  Let me truly put others first and me second.  Amen.

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