Notice, he doesn't say it's wrong to be first or to be great. In fact, he even tells them how to do exactly that. The method is just the opposite of what anyone would expect in order to attain those things.
Why? Because it's how God wants us to act, so that He can be the one to raise up those who humble themselves. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).
Even Jesus led by example in this: Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
There are a lot of Scriptures on humility, and they are among the most needed because pride is among the deepest roots of our sin.
The irony of pride is that it actually both holds you back and sets you up to be humbled.
Don't worry about greatness or being first. Know God as your Savior, and then trust in Him to direct your paths.
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