The Value of 2nd

Our culture seems to only celebrate and focus on the 1st stringers, the A-list players. Granted, they are in that position due to great skill and leadership abilities. Whole companies and franchises are built around the 1st string quarterback, running back or wide-receiver type of people. They are the ones that everybody comes to see or the ones that everyone wants to talk to.




What happens when the 1st stringers go down and they are taken out of the game?




Here is where the value of the 2nd string players either shine or they reveal a fundamental flaw that the 2nd string players are not as prepared or equipped to play at the same level. The 2nd string players must be as good and must know the plan just like the 1st string players. The 2nd string must prepare, workout, practice and train just like the 1st string.




The value placed on the 2nd is critical to the success of the organization.




If the resources that are available to the 1st string are not available to the 2nd, then there will be trouble when the 1st is not there or out of commission.




Whatever organization you and I are a part of, there is a great need to invest in the 2nd. Moses had his Joshua, Paul had his Timothy. Leaders must invest in others so that when they are out, the work, the business, the ministry will continue with the same level of excellence.


The 2nd's of our organizations need to be in the game when the 1st are present. Those in 1st position must not dominate the entire organization, they must allow the 2nd to have some leadership and gain the experience and trust of the people supporting the organization.


The over arching goal of preparing the 2nd's like the 1st is that the organization will have continued and long-term success. If we fail to plan for the future and the "what ifs", we will find the organization at a great disadvantage when the 1st leaders are gone.




One last thought; if you are a 1st share with your 2nd. If you are a 2nd, stay prepared and ready. Don't think that you are not valuable, keep your head in the game.




Value the 2nd.