WAY #1: BE THIRD

 
BE THIRD. God is first, others are second, and you’re third. Don’t just think about your own interests, but be interested in others. Don’t think less of yourself, just think of yourself less and others more.
 
a And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5: 5)
 
b Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2: 4)
 
c And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. (John 13: 14-15)
 
Ideas for Action: Ask God, “Whom can I serve today?” Look for an opportunity to be last … in line, the last to speak, or last to be served.

 

Daily Devotionals

 
MONDAY:

John 13:14-15

THINK: To show his care and concern for them, Jesus welcomed His disciples into the home not only offering them water to wash but by washing their feet himself. Jesus, being in very nature God, humbled himself to the point of washing the dusty and sweaty feet of his disciples. When you set out to Be Third, you will find that actions that seem beneath, you will become second nature.
PRAY: that God would break your pride to love others.

TUESDAY:

I Peter 5:6-7

THINK: When I am first, the worries and weight of the world fall on my shoulders. Things I cannot do are not done, and the pressure builds. Cast your anxieties on God as the one who can and will overcome every obstacle. When you look to Be Third, you know that you are held in the mighty hands of God; and He will accomplish His good will.
PRAY: through some of your anxieties and give them over to God.

WEDNESDAY:

2 Chronicles 7:14

THINK: In our culture, when you speak in power and expectation, you are more likely to be served and answered. People use power to get their way. This just plainly doesn’t work with God. He is not impressed by your clothes, job, money, or ability to speak. It is those who come to God in humility who are heard. Be Third in your prayer life and know how great is our God.
PRAY: that you would see and know the face of God.

THURSDAY:

THINK: God will humble those who lift themselves up and exalt those who live humbly. Imagine a moment when God turns to you to exalt you. Whether in this life or after, the Creator of all will lift you up in honor and glory. What a gift it will be to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Don’t seek your own glory, Be Third and let God exalt you.
PRAY: that you would put more weight on God’s exaltation than people’s.

FRIDAY:

THINK: Pride shuts out the opinions and input of others, but humility welcomes and invites it. A prideful person thinks they have all the answers, but the humbly wise one knows how far they have still to come. When you begin to Be Third, you see the joy and the gift that others are in your life. Wisdom comes in seeking God first and honoring others above yourself.
PRAY: that God would help organize your life in this way.

SATURDAY:

Romans 12:3

THINK: This is the joy of the Gospel: you aren’t good and you can’t make yourself good. God can. The great freedom of faith is that we are not perfect and aren’t expected to be. God invites us ever deeper into righteousness, but we are all in process. Do not think of yourself too highly; do not think you have made it; never think you can save yourself; and Be Third. PRAY: God would help you see yourself as He sees you.

Devotional Guides

SERIES ONE  Printable copy of Way #1 Devotionals (Small Group Guide)
 
SERIES TWO Printable copy of Way #1 Devotionals (Series Two)