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Giving up 'centre stage'
'Let each of you look out...for the interests of others.' Philippians 2:4
You see one of your mates and shout, 'How's it going?' Thinking you're actually interested, they come over to tell you something cool that happened to them yesterday. But you're not really interested are you so you jump in as fast as you can saying, 'Think that's cool? Let me tell you about...' You're off and running, making every effort to outdo them and prove that your life is way more interesting that theirs!
Meanwhile, your mate's wishing they'd just kept walking when they first saw you. They'd hoped to hear something like, 'That's awesome, tell me more.' Instead they just get an earful of your ego. The Bible says, 'Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.' In other words, give up 'centre stage.' That's easier said than done when we tend to only be bothered with one person - me! Whatever happened to 'Rejoice with those who rejoice...' (Romans 12:15 NIV)?
Those simple words remind us that life is not supposed to be a competition - it's supposed to be a celebration! So next time you feel the urge to interrupt, practice saying, 'Enough about me. How are things with you?' Then listen! Listen with your ears, your eyes, your mind and your spirit. Try to understand the feelings coming through. Then you can 'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn..' (Romans 12:15 NIV)
written by Bob Gass
'Let each of you look out...for the interests of others.' Philippians 2:4
You see one of your mates and shout, 'How's it going?' Thinking you're actually interested, they come over to tell you something cool that happened to them yesterday. But you're not really interested are you so you jump in as fast as you can saying, 'Think that's cool? Let me tell you about...' You're off and running, making every effort to outdo them and prove that your life is way more interesting that theirs!
Meanwhile, your mate's wishing they'd just kept walking when they first saw you. They'd hoped to hear something like, 'That's awesome, tell me more.' Instead they just get an earful of your ego. The Bible says, 'Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.' In other words, give up 'centre stage.' That's easier said than done when we tend to only be bothered with one person - me! Whatever happened to 'Rejoice with those who rejoice...' (Romans 12:15 NIV)?
Those simple words remind us that life is not supposed to be a competition - it's supposed to be a celebration! So next time you feel the urge to interrupt, practice saying, 'Enough about me. How are things with you?' Then listen! Listen with your ears, your eyes, your mind and your spirit. Try to understand the feelings coming through. Then you can 'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn..' (Romans 12:15 NIV)
written by Bob Gass
