I Am Not Second

When the reader first notices the title of this blog, he might well wonder what direction will be taken in the ensuing paragraphs.  Why am I not second? Is it because I’m first, or because I third, fourth, or fifth, or lower?  Let’s find out:

There’s a popular movement calling itself I Am Second.  Its web site says that it is designed to help people discover their purpose in life.  However, if I may throw some constructive their way, when I research this movement more deeply, I find what seems to be a group of Christians who claim to be “proud” to be second; i.e., because this somehow places emphasis on Christ’s being first.

However, Luke 14:8-10 says, “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. . . But when you are invited, take the lowest place …”

We should not consider ourselves to be second. We should consider ourselves to be last.  After all, Paul considered himself to be the foremost (chief) of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), and who of us can hold a candle to Paul, who is already at the very end of the line?

Aren’t we setting our sights too high if we want to be, or think that we are, second?  I understand the supposed nobility of this, recognizing that God is first.  However, do we really think that we’re second only to God?

What about servant leadership, as Christ demonstrated when he washed the disciples’ feet?  Aren’t we supposed to just serve others; i.e., everyone else?  What about Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;” We’re supposed to be humble, and regard everyone else as being more important than we are.

If we’re married, shouldn’t we consider our spouses to be more important than we are?  Isn’t that inherent by the very fact that we love them?  We should want to pursue their well-being, above our own. If we have children, shouldn’t we elevate them above ourselves?  Plus, if we really do put Christ first, then we should probably also put His Church somewhere at the top too, as well as our ministries, and the jobs that we have in order to take care of the ones we love.  So, with this paragraph alone, I don’t see a possibility for claiming a position higher than seventh place, but I still don’t think that’s my rightful position.

I can’t say for sure about you, but I do know about myself.  I’m not second; I’m last, and I’m rightfully last because I deserve to be last.  I’m just a saved sinner, holding onto God’s grace as tightly as I can.

One Response to “I Am Not Second”

  1. E says:

    I am seated in heavenly places with Christ, how does that make me second or last? Eph. 2:6 As He is so am I in this world. I John 4:17

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