To save yourself, work to save others

While looking something up today, I came across this story. It powerfully illustrates a truth that can be very easy to miss.

I have read of a man who, journeying on a winter's day through the deep, drifted snow, became benumbed by the cold which was almost imperceptibly stealing away his vital powers. And as he was nearly chilled to death by the embrace of the frost king, and about to give up the struggle for life, he heard the moans of a brother traveler, who was perishing with cold as he was about to perish. His humility was aroused to rescue him. He chafed the ice-clad limbs of the unfortunate man, and, after considerable effort, raised him to his feet; and as he could not stand, he bore him in sympathizing arms through the very drifts he had thought he could never succeed in getting through alone. And when he had borne his fellow traveler to a place of safety, the truth flashed home to him that in saving his neighbor he had saved himself also. His earnest efforts to save another quickened the blood which was freezing in his own veins, and created a healthful warmth in the extremities of the body. These lessons must be forced upon young believers continually, not only be precept, but by example, that in their Christian experience they may realize similar results.--Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 319, 320

The principle is true spiritually: we can't expect to stay healthy if we're not seeking to bring others to Jesus. That's definitely the most important application. But it's also true socially - if feeling lonely, look for someone to help. It's true physically - on a hike, those that feel their soreness least are the ones encouraging others (Admittedly, those who are less sore may also be more likely to encourage others, but I'm convinced the causal relationship runs the other way as well!). So don't wait - help others!