By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Each commercial airline flight begins in much the same way, with a rapid monologue of instructions intended to assist passengers in the event of an emergency (i.e. plane crash). Since my husband flies more often than he drives, he’s all too familiar with the carrier’s safety speech and doesn’t pay much attention.
Not me. I’m hanging on to every word!
Seatbelt buckled—check. Emergency exit doors located—check. Flotation device—check. Seat cushion doubles as a flotation device—check. (If I wasn’t nervous before getting on the airplane, I am now.) With each safety tip, my mind’s eye pictures the terrifying scenarios that would require my need to retrieve such information. (None of them are good.)
It’s all good information; however, one of the airline’s safety instructions seems counter intuitive in nature.
In the event of a decompression in the cabin, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.
Really? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
Not only does it feel counter intuitive to help yourself before helping others, it seems pretty darn selfish. What happened to the Golden Rule, do unto others as you would have them to unto you? Aren’t we as Christians supposed to put others first—before ourselves? “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Although it seems contradictory to take care of one’s self first, it is absolutely necessary, especially when helping others in need. Think about it. If we are passed out cold and lying on the floor we are of little help to anyone.
As I began to really think this concept through, I realized how much sense it made, especially as it relates to Living in Truth Ministries. For example, while it is NOT necessary for a person to be completely healed from an eating disorder before they can help others find freedom, it IS necessary that they be securely tethered in their relationship with God and be on the road to recovery. Before a person is able to effectively speak God’s truth into the lives of others, they must first be getting a steady flow of God’s truth themselves. Before they can encourage someone with godly counsel, they need to be connected to the Wonderful Counselor and receive a daily dose of His living, breathing Word themselves.
Bottom line… you and I cannot pour out if we haven’t first filled up. We cannot give what we not have.
In the words of airline attendants across the globe: Secure your “oxygen mask” first, then you can assist others.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
