Do you remember your childhood? For some it is a distant memory, for others it was not so long
ago. We all had one. The role of primacy was important in the childhood experience. In many cases
being or going first brought honor and privilege.

In homes with multiple children a first spot in the bath rotation was important. Adolescent
shower time became fierce competition since hot water and your place in line shared a proportional
relationship. In many areas, we want to be number one. First, in our class brings recognition and
scholarships. First in line for the big sale gives us confidence we will depart with our purchase and not a
rain-check. First in line at the check-out rewards us by removing the energy for angst and frustration to
grow as we wait on others, always slower than us, to check out.

Primacy also shares a relationship with light and experience. When the sun was shining or the
lights were on, there was little problem in leading the way. If the moon was out and the room was dark,
there was often a call for volunteers. “You go first!” “No, you go first!” Experience could alleviate anxiety
caused by the darkness. If you knew through experience that monsters had never been behind that door
before, you were less likely to fear opening it. Experience has brought you through this place before.

There were other times as a child when primacy was the result of a challenge. In most places
those challenges were known as a dare. The dare could be strengthened by adding “double dog” or
“triple dog” to it. A good way to deflect a dare was the power of “if you will, I will.” There is something
comforting about having company share in the stupid activity resulting from a dare. This rule is used by
parents when warning about following friends jumping off of bridges. If your friend would not
participate in the activity called for by the dare, you could claim exemption too.

There were advantages to being the pioneer. If you are the oldest child you never heard
academic or athletic comparisons being made about you and your older sibling. You had none! The first
born helped parents develop their skills and discover that children are basically parent proof. The first
born pioneered the way for younger siblings to experience parental relaxation of the rules regarding
bedtimes, friends, activities, and curfews. In many cases the first child exhausted the parents. That
explains the hundreds of pictures of the first born and the scant photographic record of subsequent
siblings.

The one disadvantage of going first is that you have no frame of reference. You have no
benchmarks or landmarks for the activity. Those moments when we are launching into new territory can
be filled with doubt and fear. Following the leader isn’t fun if you are the leader. You can always find the
leader; they are the ones with the arrows in their back. In business, raising a family, or living a good life
there are occasions when are off the grid and out of the box. If only we had done this before. If only
someone had gone before us. We might be able to follow a known pattern.

One New Testament writer points to Jesus as the “pioneer of our faith.” No matter what you are
facing, Jesus says, “been there, done that.” Jesus overcame every obstacle during His life. He even threw
the Devil’s dares right back at him. Jesus gave us a pattern for living a good and joyous life. We forget
that He had a good life. He savored each minute of His earthly journey.

Jesus walked with the assurance of God’s presence and love. He overcame everything thrown at
Him. Even death couldn’t hold Him. He scouted out the path called human life. He walked it. Jesus went
first! We can follow Him confidently. He is standing out ahead of us urging us on in our living.