I am Lot

Yesterday we heard a great sermon at church based on Abram and Lot. The essential lesson was that Abram gave Lot the first choice of land, knowing that Lot would choose the very best land for his family and animals. Yet Abram trusted that God would take care of him no matter what, so Lot's choice of land (thereby leaving Abram the lesser plot of land) ultimately didn't matter.

Our pastor encouraged us to do the same in our daily lives. He called it a "you first" attitude. On the highway, let the other driver go first. In the grocery store, let someone with 2 items go in front of you. In your family, put your own desire aside to let your spouse "go first".

Some of my notes from the sermon:
-When we say "you first", we learn an amazing amount - humility and service to others
-"You first" is a clear marker of someone who knows & loves God, we reflect God
-Abram's faith was such that he was able to let Lot choose
-God said "you first" to us

Anyway, in all of this, I realized something.

I am Lot.

I tend to think of myself first. What is best for Heather is surely best for the rest of my family. "When mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

At the grocery store, I consider letting someone in front of me, but then I think that we all have to wait in line. I've been waiting, so should they.

On the highway, I think that I have the same right to the road as they. If we all obey the rules, we'll all get home alive.

This was a big revelation for me, and kind of a painful one. I've been a Christian for over 20 years and this is the best I can do? Have I learned nothing?

Our pastor challenged us to live the next 7 days with a devoted "You first" attitude.

Okay, I'm going to do it. Starting today. When the alarm went off this morning, I said "You first" to Shannon and while he got up to shower, I went back to sleep. :)