On commercial airline flights they tell us that when the oxygen masks drop we were to put the mask on ourself and get the air flowing, then help our child or others that need assistance. This bothered me for years -- I thought it was inconsiderate to put my needs in front of others and that a good Christian would defer to the needs of others first.
This was incorrect.
Jesus told Peter "and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren." Essentially Peter needed the 'oxygen' before he could give it to others.
This applies to helping other people economically. Given that high inflation is coming, job security will continue to be less secure, and taxes are going to increase, there will be many opportunities and needs to help people and relieve their suffering.
Now is the time to create a solid foundation for our own families. Not for selfish reasons but so we can effectively help those in need. If we don't have food stored for these times and food becomes scarce, we'll be forced to spend all our time just trying to get food for our family leaving no opportunity to help others.
If we have built income streams that don't require going to a job then we can spend our time helping people in need rather than just trying to survive ourselves. In other words, become financially independent now and you will have a great capacity to be of service to others.
While on the surface it might seem selfish to take care of yourself first, it actually allows you to be less selfish and more giving to others.
- Luke 22:32
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1 comment:
I've thought a lot about the oxy masks too (seeing as I always seem to have a child next to me...). At first I thought, hello! My poor child! Then I turned to the real reasoning behind the directions "Um Amy, how much help are you going to be if you get the mask on your son, and then pass out before you can get yours going...really helpful for him..." We actually had a talk about this general idea in church last week. Thanks for your insight on it too.
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