Most of us don’t like to be last, whether it’s waiting in line, a grade on a test, or competing in a race or game. Edmund (5) especially doesn’t like to be last, whether it’s getting out of the car, taking his shower, getting his teeth brushed, playing a game, or picking a book. In fact, yesterday afternoon we went for a run and he led the pack for the entire first mile. Then, he started crying on the second mile, because he wasn’t in front!
Matthew 20:25-28 Jesus
called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their
high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you.
Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your
slave— 28 just as the Son of
Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as
a ransom for many.”
Servanthood doesn’t come
naturally. God can help us grow in humility and a willing attitude of sacrifice
for others.
Where are you and I wanting
to be first? What might it look like if we asked God to help us be “last” or a
true servant to others in that situation?