Being First Means Being Last
September 3, 2009
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassor and author of It’s Never Too Late Being first has become very important in today’s world. We have all experienced the desire to be number one. We want to be first in any line, any race, or any class standing. It has often been said that the whole world likes a winner. Our generation has become known as the “me first” generation.
Since I believe the Bible is the best place to find out about life, I turned to it to find out how important it is to be first. I was not surprised to find that it is not important at all. In fact, being last seems to be of the most importance in God’s sight (Matt 20:27-28 & 22:37-38). Here Jesus says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33)
The correct formula seems to be: God first, others second, and self last (Mark 9:35 & 10:35). Paul indicates the correctness of this formula when he commended the church of Macedonia (2 Cor. 8:5). John also refers to the desire to be first as being unacceptable in God’s eyes (3John 9).
God wants to be first in the lives of those who believe in Him. He wants to be first in our mind, our bodies, our souls, and our spirits. He wants to be first in our loyalties, our schedules, our business, and our individual flow charts.
God also wants to be first in our country and government. Current signs, however, indicate that we are trying to move Him to the last to be considered or consulted. The news seems to glory in each advance of those who oppose God’s being first.
California Rep. Dan Lundgren is sponsoring legislation to have the words “In God We Trust” and the Pledge of Allegiance inscribed in the new U.S Capitol Visitor Center. In response, Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation Inc. is suing to block the legislation (Sacramento Bee, July 21, 2009).
The Sacramento Bee reported on July 25, 2009 that the U.S Mint will soon release a new quarter for American Samoa which will be inscribed with the words “Samoa, God Is First.” It seems we may only be willing to recognize His rightful place on one small island that consists of only 79 square miles.
To remind us of God’s desire to be first, He has placed great emphasis on it throughout the Bible. He asked the Children of Israel to bring Him offerings of the “first fruits” of their labor in Ex 2:2 &12 & 23:16-19
Where does being first rank in your priorities? It ought to be weighed on eternal scales to see how important it really is. “For what good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).
Let our desire be like that of John the Baptist: “He must become greater, I must become less”( John 3:30).
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.comComments
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