"If Anyone Would be First"

 ^“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.’” (Mark 9:35 ESV)

Everyone wants to be first. The first in line, the first to finish, everyone is competing with something or someone. We live in the “look at me” society. Look what I am doing, look where I am. On social media, how many followers you have makes you seem important. How many likes you get makes you appear trendy and popular. Notice that this is an appearance, not a reality.

Your importance is found in the eyes of God. You see, Jesus reversed how each of us is ranked in the world in God's eyes. It is not the worldly popular who are blessed but those who are humble. It is not the rich who are wealthy but those devoted to God. I am not saying Christians cannot have wealth; I am just saying wealth cannot be the focus. When it is, it becomes idolatrous.

Many appear to be children of God in deeds, but in their hearts is an abyss of stone. They seek only words of praise, not the Lord. Those who are truly children of God may find praise uncomfortable, wishing only to glorify God. Jesus' humility, born into poverty and laid in a borrowed manger, buried in a borrowed tomb, invites us to reflect admiration and motivates us to follow His example of humble service.

One can only reflect on the parable of Lazarus and the rich man to see the destruction of chasing earthly riches, trying to be number one, and coveting that which others have, only to find the pit of despair in eternity. The story of Lazarus should be horrifically frightening to everyone. Yet, in this fear, we should also find solace in the Lord. It is He who provides all we need. Those who tell others that God makes you rich, or God will give you a new car, or a house, preach a false gospel. What they preach sounds less like God and more like Satan, which it is.

Being first is only essential when we are first in God's eyes. That is our blessing, for God will shun the boastful and the proud. We need only look at the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12), to see where the true blessings lie.

Are you trying to be first in the world? Do you crave power or money? How important to you is how you are viewed, ranked by others? More important than how you appear to God? The world has twisted what is truly important. If your need for attention, money, or earthly satisfaction has left you empty. Seek the Lord, Christ Jesus. In Him, you will find grace and peace, mercy and love, and the true satisfaction of being first while being last.

Grace and Peace.