I once heard it said that you aren’t truly helping someone unless it is an inconvenience for you. At first that sounded so ridiculous to me. Why can’t I be helping someone if I benefit from it as well? It just didn’t make sense. But the more I think about that statement, the more it starts to ring true.

We live in a world that places such great emphasis on self. What’s in it for me? How will this benefit me? Me, me, me. We are conditioned to place the greatest value on ourselves and to place everyone else second. Sure, we are willing to lend a hand to someone in need, as long as it’s not going to be a burden of our time or finances. Or as long as it will make us feel good. But it isn’t about us. It’s about the person in need and making them feel good.

The world tells us to look out for #1. But as a Christian, I have a different example to follow. Jesus Christ tells us to look out for others. To place the needs of our neighbors above our own. He showed us in His life how we are to do that. Do you think that going to the cross and paying for your sins wasn’t an inconvenience for Him? Jesus left His home in Heaven and came to earth for the sole purpose of dying for you and I. He gave us the ultimate example of how to help.

So next time someone needs us, let’s ask how we can help instead of make excuses for why we can’t. Even if it will be an inconvenience. Let’s be a blessing and help others with their burdens, even when we get nothing in return.