Who's Number One?

All this past weekend, the college football world was wondering who would win the Big 12 South and have the inside track for playing the SEC champion for the National Championship. Texas Tech fans were rooting for Oklahoma to lose, while Texas fans were rooting for Oklahoma to barely win so they might win a 3-way tie. As it turns out, all three teams won their games leaving it to the computers to determine whether Oklahoma or Texas would get the nod. Ultimately, Texas' petitioning for supremacy due to their head-to-head win over Oklahoma was not heard by the computers which awarded Oklahoma the Big 12 South championship. As you can imagine, this decision has sparked a lot of debate, consternation, pain (or happiness) among football fans.

Do you ever try to argue with God about who is number one in your life? You are not the only one. Samson bragged about his ability to kill 1,000 men with the jawbone of a donkey instead of crediting God for his strength (Judges 15:14-16). Wanting to be the best in our own strength can also lead to taking credit for what others have done in order to increase our reputation, like Saul took credit for Jonathon's victory over the Philistines in Geba (1 Samuel 13:3-4). It can also make us think that we have no faults like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11-12.

Well, there is only place for number one in our lives....there isn't 1a and 1b...just like 2 teams from the Big 12 South can't play in Kansas City this weekend for the Big 12 Championship. If we humble ourselves, we will be exalted...but if we try to exalt ourselves, we will be humbled (Luke 18:14). Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” There really should never be any doubt since God created the Earth, rescued His people from Egypt by parting the Red Sea, gave David the ability to slay Goliath with a sling and stones...the list goes on and on....most importantly having power over death by Jesus atoning for our sins. So, the next time you want to be number one, try to remember to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).