No favourites

Every week in most church services, the front row is taken up by worship leaders, youth pastors, leaders and their families. 'Why is that?' we may wonder. Do our brains ever think: 'Why isn't that me?' Or maybe instead we could thank God for their dedication and service? It's not a bad thought to want to be in a more visible, esteemed position. But what else is in that thought? Did this same thought happen at other times of our lives: at school, where there was always a circle of kids that everyone longed to be a part of; maybe at uni, or even at work, with the Big Names that everyone knows. That desire to be important in others' minds is one reason people want to be in the circle of 'special people' at the centre of most social groups.

As for the leadership roles here on earth, let's consider what Jesus said, 'Take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, "Friend, move up to a better place." Then you will be honoured in the presence of all the other guests' (Luke 14:10 NIV). If we're content to be ourselves, then any 'promotion' will be good and natural.

God knows our longing to be in the 'in crowd'. So he meets it himself. We're all warmly welcomed by our Father. In his Kingdom, there are no favourites, no first-tier or second-tier Christians.



So what now? Zoom in on the front row this Sunday. Which person can you bless or serve in some way?





— SCRIPTURE —

'When you're invited, take the place of least honour.' Proverbs 25:6 GWT
— SOULFOOD —

Lev 15-17, Luke 2:1-7, Ps 46, Pro 1:32-33