Every January brings a fresh wave of advice about self-care, selfimprovement, and selffocus. So it may sound backward—even foolish— to suggest putting ourselves last.
Yet that’s exactly the challenge Associate Minister Bo Banfield delivered from the LECC pulpit on the first Sunday of 2026: Put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last (remember the acronym JOY)—and watch what God can do.
“Emphasis on selfimportance and selfagendas doesn’t work,” Banfield declared. “Do nothing out of selfish interest. The Bible shows us that God does more through aligned people than through gifted individuals.”
Alignment begins, Banfield said, with putting God first. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3). Every believer, he reminded the congregation, has a role to pay it forward and help keep God’s kingdom alive in the church today.
Writing from prison, the Apostle Paul urged the early church toward the same posture: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3). That call, Banfield noted, is just as relevant now as it was then.
“Spiritual unity must come before structural unity,” Banfield said. “We need to identify anything we might be holding onto that hinders unity with other believers.”
Ego, he added bluntly, is often the biggest obstacle. “Ego is the enemy of alignment. When we’re united—moving as one—we’re stronger together.”
Quoting Philippians 2:4, Banfield emphasized, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Humility and modesty, he said, don’t slow God’s work—they accelerate it.
The early church offers a powerful example. “Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts… and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46–47).
“God never intended us to live isolated lives,” Banfield said. “Everybody has a place in the church—and you can find yours.”
How? Start with a daily alignment prayer and read John 15 each day. Disciple a friend or family member. Join a small group Bible study. Teach in KidsMin. Help with tech, church workdays, or Vacation Bible School.
Don’t see those opportunities where you attend? Perfect—you can start one. Or join us at LECC, 415897 Highway 9 in Eufaula, where your interests will connect with real ministry needs.
You’ll find a welcoming congregation at small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and Wednesday night all-age activities. Along the way, you just might learn the lesson we’re all trying to master— putting Jesus first, others second, and ourselves last.
