Temptation to do something wrong is always “there.” So is the temptation to do something mischievous. I know you thinking, “Who me? Do something mischievous?” Yeah, I know what that’s like. I have those times too.
Something I read today about a teacher who lined her students up to go to lunch and they always jockeyed for the front of the line spurred my thinking. One day she switched it around and those in the back where the ones who went first. That got me to thinking about being snarky and mischievous. More mischievous than anything. You see…it is always a joke, especially in a church, how people jockey for the back row. I have one (Gail) who stands in a crowd all her own. She immediately goes to the front row. Like me, she knows distractions abound when you have others sitting in front of you. I prefer the front row. But I digress. Most people (except the really spiritual ones like Gail and me 🙂 ) head for the back rows. Now, here is where the little mischievous boy in me comes into play. I have been tempted-and so far I have resisted-to suddenly stand up to preach and change directions. Go to the back of the room and make people turn their chairs around. Can you imagine the moans and groans and the words reserved for Pastor Bill? It’s not possible to do that anymore since we have a camera set up in the back for our live stream, but oh…the fun I would have! Or the mutiny. Take your pick. 🙂
That teacher had to teach her class a lesson in “me first, you second” vs “you first, me second.” Jesus did the same. He once taught that the “one who wants to be first must be last.” There is something to be said and something that happens when we learn to put others before ourselves. When I was a kid I was taught J–O–Y– is Jesus first; Others second; Yourself last. In our get-ahead world, imagine the difference it would make if we all had this attitude. Others Before Self.
Jesus came to start a revolution (“I did not come to be served, but to serve.”). Maybe it is time we picked up on it.
And yes, I published this before Gail was able to put her .02 worth in. But I know Gail: she will forgive me. 🙂
Dick was often tempted to rope the back pews till the front fills up but never did. He DID move halfway back and preached from there. It was the only way to make good eye contact! Haha!
Wanting to be first is a temptation I have to tamp down for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s because I am impatient. Other times it’s because I just want to get whatever it is over with. And sometimes it’s because I want to have the best choice. “Me first!” Isn’t always just a kids’ chant.
I hadn’t thought about roping off the back rows. That’s an idea that will probably never happen but going down the aisle half way would be doable. 🙂 Your analysis of the temptation is a good one Pam.
Such a fantastic analogy, Bill! It has always fascinated me how people settle on the place they will sit in church every Sunday, back, front or somewhere in between. As we have old-fashioned pews, there is not option for rearranging. But no matter where we sit, let us be attentive to the Word and always put others before ourselves.
Blessings!
Yeah it is kind of hard to move a whole pew! 🙂 But you are right about the need to listen and learn no matter where we sit.
Haha I love it Bill. I am happy to sit up front. One other reason I have to sit up front is because I cannot sing, I do not want anyone to have to hear me in their ear, with the band listening to their monitors my voice doesn’t bother them. I love the JOY and OBS, I participated in a I am second campaign at my old church, living a life with always putting God first. My pray every morning is is to live a God focused life, and to remember to keep God first in everything. It seems like it should be a no brainer to never put anything in front of God, and yet I still fail to do it at times.
We have one more thing in common Gail! The singing! 🙂 Or should I say lack of it? Your morning prayer is what keeps your faith vital and up front. Keep on praying.
I rarely sit up front, though my excuse has always been that I was running A/V in the back… I guess it is a good compromise and you know I can’t fall asleep while doing it!
Yep I know and its bad news if you do! 🙂