S10E10 - What Is Real First Place?

Doesn't it feel great to come in first place? And it so seldom happens! There is only one first place in any event or competition. Has this happened for you? Exhilarating. Rewarding. For most of us (such as myself) a never experienced event.

No matter how attainable it is the promise of the prize that motivates.

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."  1 Corinthians 9:24-27

SO SELF-CONTROL APPEARS TO BE KEY. FOCUS. DILIGENCE.

THE ULTIMATE FIRST PLACE

But guess who gets them all!? Every first place. This is probably why it feels so good to win at anything. We are emulating something locked into the image of Adam - and within our Rescuer for sure.

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven."  Colossians 1:15-20

HOW HONOR BRINGS US INTO FIRST PLACE

Jesus' whole purpose was to honor His Father. His focus was to always place His Father's will above His own. It is the same for us. It is why: "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great."  Luke 9:48

Our whole purpose is to Honor Him. We find the path of honor by becoming less. "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30/John the Baptist - cousin of Jesus. 

√   How do we find honor with God?

√   How do we give true honor to people?

√   What causes us to live an honorable life?

√   What does honor bring to the life to come? (2 Timothy 2:12)

This kind of honor is character-based - woven with resolve and deep belief about my importance and my worth.

Perhaps first place requires a humility that more often looks like last place.
Dave and Burnadette

More:
Honor
First Things First