So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Colossians 3:12-14 MSG (italics for emphasis)

This weekend I got to see a bunch of family as we celebrated Mother’s Day and went to a Horse Show at my parent’s farm. I was so impressed with my nieces. Sarah, the oldest, took first place in two events, but what I found even more impressive was the attitude of her younger sister Amanda, who received two SECOND PLACE medals and was just as happy with her accomplishments.

Often our priorities can get all mixed up. Life can become a race to finish first…at all costs. In the office people scheme to move up another rung of the ladder and no matter the sport, there are always people willing to bend the rules, just to get ahead.

This verse teaches us to live differently. As Christians, we’re called to do everything with all our might as for the Lord, yet be content with second place when it happens. I want to live like Paul and be able to say as he did, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12 NIV-13 NLT)

Prayer

Father…Let my life honor you in the way I react to circumstances when they don’t turn out the way I had hoped. In Your strength, help me to be gracious when others place before me. May I always wear my coat of love. In Jesus Name…Amen