BEING FIRST AND FOREMOST

I Was Just Thinking About – Being First and Foremost.

Within any area of life, we can usually meet or become aware of those with an inner drive for recognition. They just have to be noticed or be seen as first among equals. They will do or say whatever it takes to gain and maintain that status. There is rarely any display of humility or inability because that might tarnish their image or ambition to be first and the most capable within a given group.

An inherent danger and consequence in the drive to be viewed as First and Foremost is stated by Jesus in Luke 11:43, “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.” In a similar verse of Scripture, a Commentator (Pulpit Commentary) shares this thought: “Peter said, We have forsaken all. Alas! it was but a poor all, only a few boats and nets; yet observe how Peter speaks, as if it had been some mighty thing. We are too apt to make the most of our services and sufferings, our expenses and losses, for Christ. Our Savior does away a mistake of some. The heavenly inheritance is not given as earthly ones are, but according to God's pleasure. Let us not trust in promising appearances or outward profession. Others may, for aught we know, become eminent in faith and holiness.”

Some may believe that if they don’t “toot their own horn, no one else will toot it for you.” In the drive for recognition, some will become name-droppers; or those who quote from accepted scholars; or being well-read (even if they are only quoting a summary of someone else). Is this what we have become as the people of God and servants of the Master – “horn-tooters” – so that we’ll gain recognition among others?

In whom and in what does the Lord take delight? The Scriptures indicate plainly, Micah 6:8, “He has told you…what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” When one is “walking humbly with his God”, he will not conduct himself as though he is superior to all others; that he is to be heard as the greater influence; that he is the leader above all his peers; or that he must be viewed as First and Foremost – always!

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me!

O Master, let me walk with Thee, 

In lowly paths of service free;

Tell me Thy secret; help me bear 

The strain of toil, the fret of care.