Likes to put himself first
Likes to put himself first?
What kind of God-fearing man likes to put himself first?
how… – when you look at the fierce love of Christ
How – when you consider the great sacrifice
HOW – when you count up your sins and the price…
How can you think that first place would be nice?
And yet we do…
It’s not just that man named Diotrephes
Who thinks himself best to fill all vacancies.
It’s not just the man who -with sinners- still sits
That believes that his name – for first place – is best fit.
It’s not just the woman who loves herself best
That forgets Christ and lives like she’s above all the rest.
This plague of self-glory, self-delight and self-promotion
Is rampant – it’s viral, it’s a global devotion.
The answer’s not found in mere turning away,
From the praise and the glory and good things others’ say.
We don’t get a quick fix by thinking we’re worms
This will not be settled by coming to terms
With our ills or our frailty, our sins. It’s much more than this.
It’s surrender. It’s worship. It’s adoration – the fix.
It’s exaltation of Jesus and trusting His ways.
It’s humbling of self and, to others, giving praise.
How do we get there? How do we win?
By allowing the Lord to drive his leadership in.
We wait and we trust and we learn from God’s lead
We support others and do our part, indeed!
May we never forget; the world changed, he died!
First place is taken by Jesus! Occupied!
Christ is now risen and we each have a part
We love him and follow and serve from the heart!
Put Jesus first!
Put Jesus first!
Every redeemed man, woman and child should rehearse:
Put Jesus first!
Put Jesus first!
May this be the cry of our faithful church!
Reflection on 3 John 9-15
4/2017