I am number four

                                                                                         

I have received a great reward for I am number four

How often have you heard the expression: "I'm looking out for number one?" Or "Too heck with everyone else, I'm taking care of number one first?" The premise behind this expression is that this person is looking out for her or himself, that he or she is going to make certain that they always come first before anyone or anything else.
This is, for the most part, a false statement. Of course, there are a considerable number of people out there who think only of themselves and to the devil with everyone else. There are also many good people out there who mimic this expression but do not honestly adhere to its philosophy.
As for me, I am very happy and proud to state that I am number four.
Number four!
Am I kidding?
No, I am not kidding. Here is how I personally make the breakdown.
Number one in my personal life is God and his Son the Lord Jesus Christ. I can live without everything else, including sustenance, but without Jesus I will never truly exist. My entire life on this old planet will have been as eventful as flatulating in the wind unless I have accepted the word and the truth of Jesus. I will therefore readily lay down my paltry life for life everlasting with the Lord.
Number two in my life is my family. My family not only includes my wonderful wife and children, but my extended Christian family through the grace of Jesus. Should I be asked to give up my life so that any of these may live, I would do so without one bit of hesitation.
Number three in my life is my country. My country only exists because of the first two. I have already proven, across many battlefields and by many severe wounds, that I am willing to lay down my life for my country. Many Americans have sacrificed their lives so that we today can enjoy a freedom unparalleled in the history of human kind. I can and will do no less.
That brings me to number four, that person I call myself. I often ask 'self' if it truly comes down to giving up my life for the other three, am I willing to do it? Ask yourself, would you do it?
As for me, there would be no hesitation! No shadow of a doubt!
Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down ones life for his friends. (John: 14-13).
And, I love my Lord, I love my family, and I love my country.
You may ask, who is number five?
Why, you are, my friends. All of you! I don't want to go into eternity with a select few, I want a big crowd with me, a big crowd of wonderful caring, loving friends.
As for those among us who cling to the selfish belief that they are number one, for those who put themselves above all else, all I can pass on is: "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."

About the author: