Last in Line

Verse of the day: Joshua 19:49 When they had made an end of dividing the land as an inheritance according to their borders, the children of Israel gave an inheritance among them to Joshua the son of Nun.

In a society where it is all about “me, me, me”, it is difficult to put others first. However, as born again believers, it is not only right, it is commanded. When we are willing to put others first, even to our hurt, we show the Lord that we trust Him. Putting others first is always a test of our faith. Joshua led the Israelites into the land God promised them, but note that he did not go in and choose the first piece of land. He did not pull rank on the Israelites and choose for himself the land he thought was best for him. He waited until the land was divided amongst the people, and trusted that God would not fail in His promise to him. The world’s philosophy is “take care of #1”. In other words, make sure you take care of yourself first. Yet, God tells us that we should take great care for the needs of others first. Jesus was the greatest example of selflessness. He not only gave His life, but He gave it for people who do not deserve it, care nothing for it, and often take it for granted. Yes, I’m talking about each and every one of us. How often do we who know Christ as Savior have lived in such a manner that brings dishonor to the Lord’s Name? Every time we disobey His Word, or fail to do that which shows the love of Jesus, we show that we care little for, and take for granted, what Jesus did for us. As born again Christians, we show our appreciation for what Jesus did by putting Him first; others second, and ourselves last (J.O.Y., Jesus, Others, Yourself). Philippians 2:3-4 clearly tell us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” How do we get to the place where we begin to consistently concern ourselves with the wellbeing of others, and avoid selfishness? It begins with Jesus. When we give ourselves over to the Lord and trust Him completely to take care of our needs, trusting that He will handle our cares, we will then be more apt to think of others. 1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” When we, with humility, cast our cares on Jesus, we can focus on the cares of others, as the Lord leads us to. The Apostle Paul praised the grace that the churches in Macedonia received of the Lord for their generosity in giving. He wrote this in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” If we took more care to think of the needs of others, we would be more careful about all that God provides for us. Far too many Christians cannot, and will not, do for others because we have been poor stewards of what God has given us. We are so busy trying to gain as much of the world’s riches that we have come up with all kinds of excuses as to why we cannot give to the church, missions, or those in need. We are so focused on using our time to do that which benefits us, that we have excuses for why we cannot take an hour or two, of the time we often waste, to do something for someone else. God gave Himself freely for us. Is it too difficult for us to do the same for others? What will we lack if we do for others, trusting that God will take care of us? Joshua had not worries in respect to allowing himself to be last in receiving a portion of land in the land God promised. He allowed himself to be last in line. Does our care for the needs of others reflect this kind of faith?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).