From a very young age, we’re taught the importance of finishing first. Any competitive sport, keeps track of those who finish first. When I was in elementary school, I can remember there was always a race to be the first one finished with the test.
When I’m in line at the grocery store, I always look for the shortest line, so that I can get what I need and be the first one out of the store. Think about Black Friday and the countless people who line up to be the first one in the store. Additionally, each one wants to be the first person to own the latest, greatest, newest ____________.
For me, I spend countless hours on the road and can’t stand being behind slow traffic. I want to be the guy leading the group! Slow cars need to move out-of-the-way and let me through.
In the workplace, there’s always some friendly competition. Being in sales the majority of my career, there’s always a sales target or quota! Sometime’s we have sales contests with a grand prize for 1st Place. Win you finish 1st, you get bragging rights with all your peers!
The famous NASCAR driver; Dale Earnhardt says: “Second place is just the first place loser”
For the most part, the Bible teaches the opposite! So you ask, what should be first place in my life? Let’s take a look at what God’s word says:
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.-Matthew 6:33
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. -Philippians 2:4-5
When we put ourselves first, it’s easy for pride to take root in our lives.
Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.
When we put others first, we take the attention away from us and give it to them! When we take the focus off us, it’s easier for people to see the love of Christ in us!
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. -Proverbs 11:25
“I will heighten my life by helping others heighten theirs.”-Les Brown
As always, feel free to comment below….
Fitz
FitzforChrist 