We are all scrapping for a place in line; we would prefer to be in first place, but second will do in a pinch. Nobody really wants to give up their place in line; I don’t see too many people deferring to others. We have lost our sense of putting others first and are settling for putting others in their place.

I saw a snapshot of this played out at the airport. Some of the airlines are now doing what I would call organized random boarding. This means that it is organized because each passenger is given a letter and a number, but it is random because no seats are assigned. So, when boarding begins you are supposed to get in a line according to the group (A, B or C) and number. Then when you get on the plane you find a seat that suits you. Sounds good doesn’t it? Yes it does, except when people “jump” the line. For example, if you have B30 you don’t line up with the A group, at least you’re not supposed to. But you know what? Yes, people go on ahead and scramble for a better “place” so they don’t get stuck on the back of the plane in seats that don’t recline.

With that off my chest let me just say that this is not the way God intended for His children to live. Many of our problems of anxiety, frustration, envy and pride could be solved if we just simply follow the teaching of Paul:

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3 ESV)

Put others before self. Think of others before thinking of self. Make sure someone else’s needs are met before ours. I think you get the picture. And just think about it: we all got on the plane and made it to Spartanburg; it didn’t really matter who got out of the airplane first.

Grace & Peace,