Thought for the Day - Friday 28 May

Thought for Friday 28 May    Mark 6:55-56 NIVUK    They ran throughout that whole region and carried those who were ill on mats to wherever they heard he was.  And wherever he went – into villages, towns or countryside – they placed those who were ill in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. There are people who think of others before themselves, and there are people who think of themselves first. Which category are you in? We should be taking our example from Jesus Christ who was and is and always will be God. As God He is entitled to be put first but that’s not how He is. His main concern was and is the other person – us. We have seen all around us during the past year when all the front-line workers put others before themselves, even their own family were putting others first by accepting their loved would need to live apart from them. The biggest sacrifice was made by those who lost their lives in the service of others. The problem was made worse by those who should have been showing consideration toward these workers, by providing the protection for they needed for their safety. Too many folks are not interested in anything apart from what they want or can benefit from. Not for them the inconvenience of thinking of who might be hurt in the process of achieving their wishes. Self-importance is not Christlike! The ‘me first’ attitude is far from His idea of discipleship. There were times when Jesus was exhausted or felt the need to talk to His Father, but if someone asked for His help, it was never refused. Service to others was always Jesus’ first priority. In Mark 5: 30 we are told that, Jesus realised that power had gone out from him. He turned round in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ So, we see that every time He healed somebody, Jesus expended energy into the healing. No wonder He sometimes felt the need to get away but seldom seemed to get any time to Himself. If we were all just a little bit more considerate to others how much better would the world be. Prayer Heavenly Father, please help us to turn away from our selfish side and embrace the selfless side of ourselves. Help us to be more like You and see the need in others which may be greater than our own need. Let giving service to others become our normal attitude. Amen