Putting Others First - Part 2

J.O.Y. -- At camp J.O.Y. represents "Jesus- Others- You" which is the correct priority of relationships for you and me as we "Love God and Love Others." At T Bar M Camps we are all about putting others first, beginning with our staff placing campers and co-laborers before their own interests. You can see this played out at meals, on the ropes course, sports challenges, on the water front and just hanging out. It is not easy, but it is rewarding and yes, it is helpful to be surrounded by others striving to do the same. 
 
Our theme verse from last summer brought focus to this call to action of putting others first:  Philippians 2:3-5 "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. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." WOW - what a challenge!!
 
What about after Camp -- back in the home, at school and even in the work place?  How good are we at carrying out the principle of putting others first? Let's be honest.  Sometimes it is easy, natural, and might look and feel good. I'd like to challenge us to apply our J.O.Y. during stressful times, with people who are difficult, inconvenient moments and the situations when our heart is just not in it. These are the times and situations where our motives and convictions collide and force us to make a choice…
 
It's not old fashioned or un-cool to show respect for others by opening doors, allowing someone to go ahead of you in line or in traffic, or letting someone else speak first (this actually gives you a chance to respond better). We can exercise the theme verse by sacrificing for another such as not taking the last dessert, being sensitive to others when picking teams for a game, not jumping ahead in line, and the list goes on and on. 
 
So--- what are some ways to remind you to put others first? Set your hourly watch chime as a reminder, write a note to yourself on your mirror, set a goal of committing to put someone first each day and then smile... Don't forget to give the Lord thanks for the opportunity. In our actions, reactions, words and deeds let's choose J.O.Y. to be our guide.