Others First

Above all, we must put others before us and keep others in our mind constantly: the self must be placed last. All our doings and thinkings must be motivated by compassion for others. The way to acquire this kind of outlook is that we must accept the simple fact that whatever we desire is also desired by others. Every being wants happiness, not suffering. If we adopt a self-centered approach to life by which we attempt to use others for our own self-interest, we might be able to gain temporary benefit, but in the long run, we will not succeed in achieving even our personal happiness, and hope for next life is out of question." – The Dalai Lama

Today I flipped my daily Dalai Lama calendar today and found the words above. This is good food for thought. It is so true that others desire what we desire – happiness not sadness. Looking to put the other before ourselves is a goal worthy of all who proclaim the gospel and all who seek the truth.  Putting others first is loving. Hear the words of Jesus – "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

Today let us look for an opportunity to put someone before us and place our own needs last. We can love others by looking out for their needs without expectation of repayment.

Jesus puts it this way:  "Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. Matthew 7:12 (The Message)

Its an old message that we have all heard before – I think we still need to be reminded of how important that message is.