How to Be First

One rainy day Don was prowling around in the attic of his home and he found a shiny medal in an old trunk. There were some words on the medal that Don couldn't read, so he took it to his mother to see what she knew about it.

She told Don that the medal had been given to his grandfather for a great service he had done for his country. The words were Latin and she told him the meaning of them in English. GOD FIRST. OTHERS SECOND. MYSELF LAST. Naturally, Don wanted the medal for himself, but his mother told him he would have to earn it by following the motto inscribed upon it.

The desire to own the medal was not so great as Don's selfishness. In fact, he had never fully realized just how selfish he was until he tried to live up to the motto. He caught himself taking the first servings at mealtime. He would grab for the largest piece of cake. He would stay on the sofa when the doorbell rang and let his mother answer the door. The same was true for the telephone. He couldn't remember to pick up his clothes.

If you would be a leader of people you must first be their servant. This rule is as old as the human race. Jesus stated it by saying, "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all" (Mark 9:35) . Greatness comes from helping others. Fitness for honors is gained by performing lowly tasks.

If you put God first, and others second, you'll have so much fun you won't care whether there is time for yourself at all. But when you least expect it—presto! Out of nowhere, someone will make a hero out of you.

I am very selfish, God, but I am trying hard not to be.