The Last One In Syndrome

We are “funny” creatures, aren’t we? We’re so fickle, so unpredictable sometimes. One day we’re pouring ourselves all over others, seeking ways to help them, the next day we’re cursing them for not helping themselves. Not only that, but God has given us the ultimate instrument of expression. The Bible depicts the human tongue as a double-edged sword, able to knit or sever the most intimate of bonds.For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.James was concerned the way I am often concerned even today…that people have an awful habit of saying things to others that would be better left unsaid. In all fairness to them, the motivation isn’t always bad. However, as most of you can attest, in retrospect, there are times where restraint would’ve been the best response to a situation.There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.Now, to address the point at hand…this so-called “last one in syndrome”. This, of course, is a phrase that I made up a long time ago while observing the dynamics of human interactions. I’m hoping it makes more sense to you in a moment. Here we go…Clearly, not all believers are at the same level of spiritual maturity. In fact, no two humans are exactly the same. Some are very mature in one area of life while others are immature, and visa versa. Why, then, are we ever shocked that someone else doesn’t “see” all that we see? And why, pray tell, are others so upset with us for not “getting it” sometimes? Even worse, why do we express said shock in the presence of the immature? What’s the purpose…nay, what’s the fruit of it???Let me give you a perfect example of this phenomenon.The Spirit’s had me recently reload the Gospel from the pulpit. What I mean to say is that He’s had me guide my congregation back to the basics regarding faith, grace, and love…you know, the very essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, there’s been a groundswell of rededication of lives, a reevaluation of priorities, and a renewed heart for the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. It’s been such a magnificent thing to witness that I have sometimes needed to pinch myself. One of my most consistent prayers is that I manage to stay out of the way while He’s doing a lot of this incredible work through me, His anointed vessel.As with any such activity in a church, there’s a corresponding emotional uprising. Nothing wrong with emotions, but left unchecked, they can trample otherwise fertile soil. For example, the last thing I want to happen is for my congregation to begin turning in on itself because some are so fired up about the Gospel and accomplishing the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) that they begin making others feel insecure about not “getting or doing it” yet. I’d soon be fighting factions in the church. It’s human nature to say, “C’mon, why can’t you see this?…this is the greatest thing, like ever!” And in their innocent euphoria, some begin elevating themselves over others, inadvertently creating stumbling blocks.Emotionalism has a habit of fostering self-centeredness. If a person’s so excited about something that they begin sowing seeds of division in the name of progress, even unintentionally, then they aren’t thinking about others. Even if the object of their activities involves something as pure as the great commission, they’ve yet again made it about them.We are “funny” sometimes, aren’t we? Just “yesterday” we didn’t “get it”, but today we do. We’re so egocentric that we’ve already forgotten where we’ve come from and we challenge others for “lagging behind”. The comedy here is that if we step back and think about how very patient God has been with each of us (as in up until just “yesterday”), we can’t help but feeling ashamed of our treatment of others.This “last one in syndrome”, then, is merely a catchphrase for that phenomenon that sometimes occurs when a person has an epiphany in their life. That person tends to become so wrapped up in it, especially immediately following the event, that they vomit their emotions all over those around them, not fully understanding the adverse effects this might have on others. While the intentions are good, the results may not be.

Living for others means having the wisdom to understand the nuances here. It means always considering others in whatever we say or do. That’s why over time, when emotions die down, true wisdom sets in, and a person transitions from being a potential liability to the Kingdom to an asset. Patience, my friends.The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
And his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;
His steps do not slip.Sometimes the wisest thing to do is simply share the truth, nothing more, and then zip your mouth, remembering that not everyone else is riding your emotional high. Why not simply show your faith, revealing what God has done in your life, but doing so without inadvertently imposing shame upon others who might not “be there” yet. The Bible says that only God can change a person’s heart…and this He promises to do in His timing, not ours. In our newfound exuberance, we often overlook where others may be in their spiritual walks. It’s a simple thing to remind ourselves to step back and remember where we came from.Patience is so very important in times like these.Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Love in Christ,
​
Ed Collins