Tuesday, February 23, 2016

The First







Year 4-Day 54: Today, I am grateful for those daring souls who choose to be "the first" in the tough stuff. The first to apologize...the first to forgive and the first to forget.

So...two out of three are tough.  Forgetting is only easy because my memory is not as good as it used to be, so I don't think that really counts, but it does increase the happiness quotient. 

When I found this quote - my mind raced to what Jesus told his disciples: 

 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” -Matthew 20:16

Mark and Luke, also, record these words of Jesus. 

Of course...it does not appear to work with this quote at all...at least at first glance.  But, after truly looking at the context of this scripture, it supports it perfectly! The common theme to both the quotation and the scripture: humility. 

Everyone likes to get special treatment. It feels good. James and John's mother wanted them to be specially seated in heaven. Mother's love their sons, but Jesus was not pleased with the pride in her heart and stated that was the Father's decision. 

In Matthew 20:26-28 records Jesus words as he continues to attempt to teach them what really matters and how to live in a way that pleases God. 

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.”

Learning to embrace a servants heart and to serve with humility...these motivational game changers. Truly seeking to put another's needs before our own will change relationships.  It is how Jesus lived every day of of his life.  

Yes...Jesus took an occasional break...some alone time... to pray, rest and restore. But in the midst of being taken to be crucified, he took time to heal an ear that had been cut off by over zealous Peter and he offered salvation to both thieves hanging beside him on the cross. Only one would say "yes".  

"Servant leader" has become a popular catch phrase in church culture, but it is a good one. It points to a Christ like leadership measured not by the size of a church building, the money in the churches bank account or number of books published. It is about meeting people where they hurt and meeting a need. 

What is a true servant leader? It's about loving Jesus and loving like Jesus. It's about loving our neighbors...all of them...especially widows and orphans. It is meeting people at their need...out of love, and not to earn points. Jesus doesn't give points. He simply looks at our heart.   

The courage of an apology...puts a relationship before "being right". 

The offering of forgiveness...changes lives. 

The happiness in forgetting the hurts and moving on is freeing...it lightens the heart. Who wants to carry that baggage, anyway? 

I am grateful the example of Christ and to those around me who model the right kind of "firsts". They inspire and encourage simply by how they live.

Today, I am grateful for those daring souls who choose to be "the first" in the tough stuff. The first to apologize...the first to forgive and the first to forget.




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