Biblical Answer

The Impact of Prioritizing Others Over Ourselves

The Biblical Mandate to Prioritize Others

In the Bible, we are repeatedly instructed to prioritize the interests of others over our own. In Philippians 2:3-4, we are told to "look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This is not a suggestion, but a command. When we prioritize others, we are not only fulfilling the Great Commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), but we are also demonstrating a key aspect of Christian character. As Jesus said, "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it" (Luke 9:24). By prioritizing others, we are, in effect, losing our lives for Christ and gaining eternal life.

The Consequences of Prioritizing Ourselves

When we prioritize our own interests over those of others, we not only harm others, but we also suffer ourselves. As the proverb says, "He who pursues his own interests will be filled with self-love, but the one who seeks to bring order to his internal life will be filled with the fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 28:18). When we are self-dependent, we may feel like we are in control, but we are actually isolated and alone. We are like a tree that is cut off from its roots, unable to bear fruit or grow strong. On the other hand, when we prioritize others, we are connected to a larger community, and we are able to bear fruit and grow strong in our faith.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Others

Prioritizing others over ourselves has numerous benefits. We become more humble, more compassionate, and more Christ-like. We are able to serve others, not out of a sense of obligation, but out of a sense of joy and love. We are able to build strong relationships and community, and we are able to bear fruit in our lives that will last for eternity. As Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34). When we prioritize others, we are not only fulfilling the Great Commandment, but we are also demonstrating the Great Commission to love and serve others in the name of Christ.