first in Line

Mark 9:33-35 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
 
DOES it upset you when children argue about who’s first? You wonder, “Why can’t they just allow each other to take turns to ‘go first’ without such trouble?” How about you? Are you willing to let others “go first”?
   It is difficult to overcome our natural desire to be first. You want things when you want them. You may have certain ideas about how to manage your business or your church. You want to direct your family to change. What happens if someone tells you, “Wait, you must consider others’ needs, opinions and points-of-view.” Impatience and anger can demand, “Me first!” Your pride pushes you to be first in line because you believe your desires and ways are of utmost importance. After all, you have a right to be happy, to have all you want and to get all you want, don’t you?
   Not according to Jesus. A right life in the kingdom of God begins with a “you first” heart. In the Greek language to serve is to be a slave. One had no rights. You were under everyone’s authority.
   But yet, Jesus has served us with his life: Matthew 20:26 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.”
   “To serve and to give,” said Jesus. That’s one reason the “me-first” pharisees despised him. And surely his point surprised the disciples. They hadn’t followed Jesus, so they could be slaves. They wanted to rule!
   We thank God their “me first” mind became “Jesus first.” When beginning an epistle the apostles often began as Peter did here: 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. They identified as Jesus’ servant and served the kingdom with their lives as we are all called to do.
   Be willing to serve with a “you first” heart. This will strengthen your family, community, workplace and church. Many studies of successful, impactful leaders reveal that it is their willingness to listen to those around them with a servant’s heart. They want to learn how each person in their organization can use his and her skills for the common good. Prideful “me first” arrogance leads to division and destruction.
   A biblical example of this is the story of Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 10. He succeeded his father Solomon as Israel’s king. His arrogance rejected his elders’ good advice to have an attitude of service to his people. As a result the powerful united Israel became a divided country and eventually a destroyed nation.
   God wants you to be a servant disciple. Serve his kingdom with a humble and loving heart: 1 John 4:20b Anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. John wants you to know that a loving attitude toward everyone is essential for your right relationship with God and each other. After all, these are the two great commands, aren’t they? (Matthew 22:37-39)
   A heart anchored in God is a heart strengthened to be a slave for the kingdom’s good.