We’re In This Together

 

“You don’t live in a world all your own.  Your brothers are here too.”

Albert Schweitzer

1875-1965

Medical Missionary

 

There is a trap that all people of character must avoid at all costs. That is the popular thinking of “looking out for number one.” Let me make this clear from the start, you, my friend, are not number one. The world does not and never will revolve around you. Leadership expert Dr. John C. Maxwell puts it clearly: “With the exception of one, the world is made up of other people.”

This is such a standard trap for success-minded people because we go after what they want. We know that if we are to achieve our dreams, we must do it our self. The mistake is when we think we do not need others. You can never succeed on your own. The fact is you need other people, and other people need you. You have to be as concerned about the dreams of others as you are about your own.

Writer and Editor Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) pointed out that, “Down in their hearts, wise men know this truth: The only way to help yourself is to help others.” The selfish, “me first” attitude that our society has embraced is one of the most destructive behaviors. It leads to greed, crime, addictions, and corruption on every level. When people think only of themselves, there are no moral limits on what they can do. They feel justified in being dishonest or cheating because it is helping them get what they want. This is a dangerous place to be.

Successful people learn that by thinking of others and helping them, you are protecting yourself. Author and speaker Jim Rohn (1930-2009) said, “One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” When we focus away from our own needs and look to the care and assistance of others, we put up a guard from that selfish spirit that has caused so many to fail.

Even Christ Himself did not come for His good but ours. He came to serve, not to be served. He came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Yet, He fulfilled His purpose and His desire to reconcile man to God. If Christ can unselfishly serve others, who do we think we have to look out for ourselves first? Isn’t He the example to follow?

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2021 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the written permission of the author.