I was reading a devotion tonight about number one and how people have been taught that they are number one. I am sure you have heard it said you need to take care of number one and number one is you. Actually that is wrong according to the Bible.
Jesus did not come here to be served, but to serve.
Matthew 20:2 8New International Version (NIV)
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
If Jesus who is Gods son did not come here to be number one and have everyone serve Him, then what makes you think that you are number one and need to be served?
If everyone were to put others needs first, I can only imagine how much better off we would be. If you do not understand that, then I will try to explain. When you think you are more important than everyone else, then all you are going to do is think about yourself and you will do whatever it takes to meet your needs. Take a drug dealer, they are not interested in how their stuff affects everyone, but only in making their money. However, when you care about others more than yourself, then you want them to be safe and cared for.
Philippians 2:3 New International Version (NIV)
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
There is only one number one and that is God. If we put Him first, then that will strengthen us to put others ahead of ourselves. If we follow the way Christ lived, then we will be putting others first. Once you start, you will not want to go back to the way you were.
God, please help us to put others ahead of ourselves.