Put Others First
I was serving as 'guide' to a father and adult son on a moose hunt. Both of them were out of shape, and they were very insecure woodsmen. I spotted a legal ram on the other side of a small, steep gorge. By myself I could easily have been on the ram in less than an hour, but it would have been well after dark before I had it packed out. I was facing a dilemma.
Neither of my partners were fit enough to climb, and they were utterly opposed to my leaving them alone to go after the sheep. Ultimately I passed on a beautiful ram and did not get my sheep that year. I had made a commitment to take these guys into the wilderness. They were totally dependent upon me and were afraid to be left alone.
It's true that I wrestled with the decision, but ultimately I put the wishes of others ahead of my own. Proverbs 17:17 begins, "A friend loves at all times." One of life's challenges is to learn to put others ahead of SELF. It's not EASY, but it's GOOD! It is a privilege to put others first. It is a source of joy and strength. Learn to deny self with a kind, generous heart, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on January 13, 2026
Posted in Daily Devotions