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Abstract

When the going gets tough, the tough focus on themselves. Affliction and hardship normally force us to pay attention to our own needs more than usual. When a ship is sinking, the rule of thumb is “every man for himself” since we can’t assume we’ll have the time or energy to concern ourselves with others. When an airplane is going down, we’re instructed to pay attention to our own survival (place the oxygen mask on yourself first . . . ) before thinking of others. But the Bible offers counter-cultural wisdom. Christians are commanded to focus on others during desperate times. We’re told to humbly consider others' needs over our own. We’re assured that such unselfishness maintains unity in the church and forms a united front against hardship. And no better example of selflessness can be found than that of Jesus Christ Himself.