The call to put others first is rooted in the biblical principle of loving our neighbor as ourselves. However, this is not just a social or moral obligation, but a spiritual one as well. When we put others first, we are not only reflecting God's love and character, but we are also participating in His kingdom. As Matthew 6:33-34 states, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This means that when we prioritize others and put them first, we are actually positioning ourselves to receive God's blessings and favor.
This principle of putting others first is also closely tied to the concept of humility. When we put ourselves last and others first, we are demonstrating a willingness to serve and to sacrifice for the benefit of others. This is the opposite of sin, which is characterized by self-centeredness and a desire to put ourselves first. As the Bible says in Matthew 20:26-28, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." By putting others first, we are following in Jesus' footsteps and demonstrating a heart of service and humility.
When we put others first, we are also participating in the body of Christ. As the Bible says in Romans 12:5, "so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." This means that we are all connected and interdependent, and that our actions and decisions have an impact on others. When we put others first, we are not only serving them, but we are also serving the body of Christ and contributing to the well-being of the community. This is a key aspect of spiritual growth and maturity, and it requires a willingness to put others before ourselves and to prioritize their needs above our own. By doing so, we are not only reflecting God's love and character, but we are also participating in His kingdom and advancing the cause of Christ.