Daily Power #228

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

Like a lot of people, I can be really competitive. Sometimes my wife tells me it’s a “guy thing,” but I believe we all want to do our best and finish first. We want to know how we’re doing compared to our peers, partly so we can set new goals and strive even harder for future growth.

Each year, various sources compile lists of the most influential, the wealthiest, and the most admired. Even within Christian circles, it’s hard to escape the comparison mindset and ask someone, “How big is your church?”

There’s an annual list of the biggest and fastest-growing churches in America each year, but I realized early in my ministry that I shouldn’t participate. Because if our church was included, then I would think, “Man, I can’t believe that church over there is number eight—I know we’re bigger than they are. And that number-one church better get ready to move aside—we’re closing in.” These lists aren’t bad. For me, though, they lead into temptation to become prideful, boastful, and focused on numbers instead of changed lives.

Jesus’ example reminds us that being first is all about being last and putting others before ourselves. In our competitive, selfie-obsessed world, it’s not easy to adopt a servant mindset. But it’s the only way to become more like Christ and reach others for God’s kingdom.

Power Lift

Jesus, thank you for demonstrating what it means to put other people before myself. Forgive me when I start comparing and competing and lose sight of your humility and grace. Give me strength to be first by being last.