Second Place & Second Chair

"Second place is just the first loser." That was drilled into my head as a little kid in P.E. and competitions.  I hated sitting second chair in middle and high school band.  I wanted to have the recognition and position of first place and first chair.  I am very competitive, just ask my family.  I have a hard time losing to my youngest at Wii bowling (and that happens quit frequently).  Second place isn't a very reassuring place.  It isn't the goal of many of our lives.
Humility is a virtue that many of us struggle with.  I'm gonna tell on myself, and I hope that you can identify with me on this one.  I have listened to many preachers and sat under lots of pastors.  Some of them are good, some are great, and some aren't either.  Some leave me saying, "WOW!" - while others leave me wondering, "WHY?"

The Bible is such an incredible to book.  It is truly alive and speaking to me.  This morning I was studying for the morning devotional when this passage caught my eye and captured my heart:

I have a special concern for you church leaders.  I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory.  Here's my concern: what you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd.  Not because you have to, but because you want to please God.  Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.  Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.

When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly.  And you who are younger must follow your leaders.  But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for -  God has had it with the proud, but takes delight in just plain people.

So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs.  God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.  Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. (1 Peter 5.1-7 MSG)

I have read many stories of pastors and ministers who have taken advantage of their position.  I have known many that I would not want to be in their shoes when they get to heaven.  I have struggled with pride in ministry and entitlement.  Then God removed me from the ministry.  I have seen the error in my own heart.

I long, once again after many hurtful experiences in the church, to be back in the ministry full-time.  I want to be on staff in a church.  I want to deliver the Word of God once again every week.  But this past weekend, I was confronted with my pride again.  I thought that I could do it better than the man in the pulpit and wondered why does he get to do it and not me.  This is my pride again speaking.

I have to learn to be content with where I am and who's I am.  Too many times we are caught in throws of coveting and don't even recognize it.  We want what others have.  We look at our lack and their surplus and wonder, and even question God, when will we get our share.  We might not ever get our share this side of heaven.  We must learn to be content with second place & second chair.

We must put our desires and dreams aside for God's dreams and desires.  This is the hardest part of the Christian life.  We must be willing to die to ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus.  Being a Christian is about being a Christ-follower and nothing else.

Will join me in being content with who you are?  Will join me in removing the air of pride and arrogance in your life - it really stinks anyways?  Will you be "happy" with coming in second place and sitting second chair next to Jesus?