Joe Monds

As a child, I recall having a book read to me that still influences my life today. The book begins with a little boy disregarding a “Please, Do NOT Feed The Bears” sign at the zoo. The zoo keeper approaches the boy and asks, “what if everybody did that?”. The illustration on the next page of the book shows a bunch of sick overweight bears surrounded by more food than they can possibly eat. Another page demonstrates the same idea but with littering. The boy dropped one soda can on the ground, but the next page shows a meadow covered in garbage. 

The main idea behind the book is simple yet deep. We ought not to be selfish in our actions and feel like we are entitled to do as we please. The effects go beyond our individual lives. What a convicting children’s book!

However, the idea of selflessness and not feeling entitled has its roots in biblical principles. Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Paul challenged the Philippians to humble themselves and strive to esteem others over self. Would the world be a better or worse place if everybody had your mindset and did what you did? Before you choose to lie about your work productivity, or cheat on a test, or take advantage of people, or are tempted to slack off at work ask yourself this question, “what if everybody did that?”. It will alter many of the decisions we make. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” What is best for you may not always be what is best for everyone else in any given life situation.