First or second?

Colossians 3: 12-14 (The Message)

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 (NIV)

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

It's amazing when a bible verse just pops out at you. It happened last night in the Corps' House Fellowship meeting. The verses being read were as stated above, but as I was reading from The Message translation - it hit me square between the eyes. '... content with second place ...' These words aren't in other translations of scripture, but seem to be especially relevant to me personally this week.

The other verse that seems to link in with this is:

Matthew 20:16 (NIV)

So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

I'm in the process of exploring what this means to me personally at the moment. If you have any input into this, feel free to drop me a line.