Key Bible Verse: Then he said, “Anyone who wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else” (Mark 9:35). Bonus Reading: Mark 10:35–45

In the days when stagecoaches were a major means of transport across the country, there wasn’t much to choose between one seat and another. Inside was obviously better than outside, but coaches were uncomfortable, crowded, and teeth-jarring, and had a bad habit of breaking down or getting stuck in the mud.

Nevertheless stage companies had first-, second-, and third-class fares. First class meant that when (not if) the stage broke down, ticket holders remained in place while others solved the problem. Second-class passengers were required to disembark, but they watched while others worked. Third-class passengers had to get out, get their hands dirty, and help get the stage underway again.

It’s always been a mark of success in the world that the first-class people are those who are served. They purchase service with money, or command service because of power, privilege, and position.

The Lord Jesus Christ lived and modeled an entirely different lifestyle. It has a direct application to our families. If we desire a first-class marriage, our responsibility is to commit to a third-class life-style, one that values serving rather than being served.

My Response: One way I could give someone else first-class treatment is …

Thought to Apply: The measure of a man is not how many servants he has but how many men he serves.
—Dwight L. Moody (evangelist, 19th century)