Serving Others

Serving Others – A view from T Bar M’s Director of Camps, Johnny Polk aka Biggest Kid in Camp!
 
Our culture loves to gloat over being in first place … first in grades, first chair in band, first place around the track (even first place in the lunch line).  Nothing wrong with a little competition, but it’s the motivation we need to examine.  The wrong motivation to be first can breed what we call “me’ism.”  We know that the real way to be first is by serving others.
 
Here’s what I see at camp … a Coach who missed FOB (rest period) to assist a camper who needed extra attention … a camper who intentionally passed up a last piece of treasured dessert to give to the next person … another camper who stayed back with a friend in the pool even though he wanted to go play “knock-out” with the other boys.  I don’t see a lot of “me’isms” in that!
 
Putting others first takes humility.  It requires intentionality.  It means choosing joy.  The most secure and mature folks I know are the ones that know there is joy in serving others.  Jesus says it best in Matthew 20: 26-28, “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
 
Raising kids in a “me-centered” world where being first is king, let’s take the challenge to dethrone the norm and move ourselves to an “others-centered” mindset.  So Moms and Dads … the next time someone cuts in front of you, smile … take a deep breath, and choose to pray, “God luv’em!”
 
Together choosing to put others first,
Johnny Polk