This is my new favorite T-shirt.   Unfortunately, the saying applies to many of us in many areas of our lives.  I know that it definitely applies to me.

I’m going to go on that diet…later.    I’m going to start saving for retirement…later.    I’m going to paint that pool fence…later.     I’m going to work to develop those creative areas of my life…later.     I’m going to work to get rid of those nagging habits…later.   I’m finally going to get my act together…later.

Notice the repetitive “I’m going to.”  It occurred to me that, while the T-shirt is humorous, it also made me aware of how self-absorbed I can be.  While it’s good to get things done and improve our own lives, it’s even better to get things done to improve the lives of others.

As time goes on, people are going to be self-absorbed… (ouch!) self-promoting…dog-eat-dog…the kind…who smooth talk…and take advantage.  By the way, this is almost a direct quote from the Bible (II Timothy 3:1-6) Not the “ouch” part—that part was me.

If you think I’m wrong, try sliding into a parking space another motorist wants. Or watch shoppers in a checkout line elbowing one another to save thirty seconds.  And how about your seat in church; you know, the one you’ve been warming for thirty years?

When I think about what I should be doing, I look back to the Bible where Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.  Care about them as much as you care about yourselves.”  Jesus said, “Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” (Matthew 7:12)

And do it now!