And, in case you didn’t know it, “number one” is not you, it’s me. You better watch out for the person who is taking care of “number one,” because he will run over you, stab you in the back and do whatever is necessary to promote himself and enjoy what he wants. But we are told, “If you don’t take care of number one, nobody else will.” Jump right in the middle of the fray of selfish ambition and get your licks in before somebody does it to you. Peace, happiness and harmony will surely result.
The gossip engages in tale bearing, because by tearing down others, he feels superior. The covetous man will defraud others to get what he wants. The envious man will seek to destroy another of whom he is jealous. Then, there is the religious man who wants to tell God how he wants to be saved – he appears humble and devout but is unwilling to give up his religious preferences for the Lord’s way. In every instance, selfish interest is the cause of the behavior.
When self is “number one” there is no room for Christ. And “taking care of number one” is diametrically opposed to what the Lord taught. “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself (that is, disown self of living for self) and take up his cross and follow me,” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus not only taught unselfishness but he also lived it (Matthew 7:12; 20:27; 23:11; Philippians 2:4). That’s all right at “church” but don’t you try to cut in front of me on the road.
So, if you don’t take care of number one, who is? The answer lies in what one means by “taking care of” and where you are really headed – have you ever thought about trusting God? – Jim R. Everett
And, in case you didn’t know it, “number one” is not you, it’s me. You better watch out for the person who is taking care of “number one,” because he will run over you, stab you in the back and do whatever is necessary to promote himself and enjoy what he wants. But we are told, “If you don’t take care of number one, nobody else will.” Jump right in the middle of the fray of selfish ambition and get your licks in before somebody does it to you. Peace, happiness and harmony will surely result.
The gossip engages in tale bearing, because by tearing down others, he feels superior. The covetous man will defraud others to get what he wants. The envious man will seek to destroy another of whom he is jealous. Then, there is the religious man who wants to tell God how he wants to be saved – he appears humble and devout but is unwilling to give up his religious preferences for the Lord’s way. In every instance, selfish interest is the cause of the behavior.
