Being First

‘Be the first to own the newest computer on the market!’ As I read the advertisement, I paused to reflect on how much emphasis is placed on being first.

People stand in a queue for days to be the first to own the latest electronic device. Others spend long hours at work to be the greatest achiever in the company.

In the sports arena and in everyday life are endless competitions to see who will come out on top.

I have also been amazed by the competition and striving in the church, not to serve but to be in a position of authority. Even the apostles saw being first as a goal and argued about who was the greatest (Mark 9:33–34).

However, Jesus turned upside down the world’s perception of being first. A person who wants to be first in God’s kingdom must be last and live a life of service.

We make choices about how we live our lives. We can live according to the world and strive to become the first in all we do, or we can choose to be first in God’s kingdom by living a life of humility and service.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to work for your kingdom by serving others in Jesus’ name. Amen