PUTTING YOUR BROTHER FIRST

Let no one seek his own,
But each one the other’s well being.
1 Corinthians 10:24

As a Christian, you are obligated to view your actions in light of how they will affect other Christians. You will discover God’s will for your life when you consider His presence and His activity in the lives of others. One way to do this is by putting your brother first.

This is contrary to worldly thinking. The world encourages you to live your own life, taking care of your own needs and wants first. In contrast, Sin promotes independence. Sin isolates you from others. Sin separates you from both those you could help and those who would encourage you. God designed you for interdependence.

Whenever you meet another Christian, you come face to face with Christ (John 13:20). There ought to be a deep respect within you as you encounter other lives guided by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, do not live as if you have no responsibility toward your Christian brothers and sisters. God holds you accountable for how you relate to them. Don’t revel in your “freedom in Christ” to the point that you neglect your responsibility toward others (Romans 14:15). Paul celebrated his freedom in Christ, but he was deeply sensitive to what might cause other Christians harm (1 Corinthians 8:13).

As you pray today, call upon the Holy Spirit and ask that your natural inclination to be self-centered be demolished. Ask God to free you from selfishness, to open your eyes, and your mind, and your heart to the needs and wants of others. Pray for the Lord’s guidance as you begin putting your brother first, and seek to live your life with responsible awareness of others, and seek to bless others in your every-day way of life.

Source: “Experiencing God Day-By-Day; The Devotional and Journal”, by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby ©1997. Entry May 9.

Additional Reading:
Never Too Busy
Iron Sharpens Iron