First!

"Vince, I got ready before you did!"  Elliot crowed, as he pulled his pajama shirt over his head.

My sons both want to be first in a lot of situations and getting ready for bed was no exception.

Vince looked at Elliot.  "But Elliot," he said.  "The Bible says that the first shall be last and the last first.  So, I'm really first getting ready for bed."

Vince had found the Biblical loop hole whereby no one really knows what place they finished in.  Those who finished in last place actually won the race.  It is a little confusing when you try to work it out.

Of course, the point of Jesus' statement was not that people should try to finish last or, go as slow as possible in order to eventually have their position elevated.  The point is that Christians aren't to be focused on fame, or place in line, rather they need to focus on serving each other.

Jesus wanted His disciples to give up their place for each other because they loved each other and not for any other reason.

His disciples did not understand this while He was alive, but they eventually learned this concept and it was one of the things that made the early church different.  For, the people within the church served each other without thought of reward and position.  Those who had leadership had the expectation that they would serve the most.

I am afraid that this ideal gets laid aside too often today.  Even in the church, people push themselves forward into positions of importance, rather than stooping down to serve their brothers and sisters.

Jesus said "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Humility and love in service of a loving, humble Savior should be our goal today and every day.