The Role of
Second Best Position - Part I
by Dr. John Tetsola
The body of Christ is often more concerned about and inclined to gravitate towards being number one, when in reality, not all of us are called to be number one in the things of God. The desire to be number one often causes many believers to undermine and disregard the significance of the second best anointing. The tendency is to believe that number two is never best for us. But the success of number one in our lives is often as a result of the strength of the number two position that undergirds. In addressing the role of the second best position, we’re talking about the supportive role anointing that rests upon men and women who serve leaders in a church or team. These men and women have been recorded in Scripture as the pillars that undergird the ministry of great men. For every successful man of God in Scripture, you’ll find men who stood firmly behind them without dissension and competition in the second best anointing.
And David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he prospered and behaved himself wisely; and Saul set him over the men of war…
David acted wisely in all his ways and succeeded, and the Lord was with him.
When Saul saw how capable and successful David was, he stood in awe of him.
1 Samuel 18:5a, 14-15 AMPAll throughout Scripture there are instances of second best leaders who faithfully served the leaders in their lives. Sometimes they had greater talent and skill than the first best in their lives, yet they were not at that time called to play “first string.” David was an example of such a man. He was a faithful second best. Before and after his confirmation as the next king of Israel, David continued to serve as second best under Saul. He played music for Saul; he was captain of Saul’s army and fought in battles to defend his nation. Despite Saul’s negative treatment and threats against his life, David always stayed in his place and maintained his integrity in serving Saul. He faithfully accepted the role of second best without trying to usurp power from Saul, until God promoted him to first string. He never took advantage of Saul’s weaknesses to destroy him or to usurp his throne. David faithfully waited on God. First Samuel 18:15 says, “When Saul saw how capable and successful David was, he stood in awe of him.” What a classic example of a second best leader. It was not surprising that when David eventually became a first string leader, God brought faithful second best leaders into his life to serve and help him accomplish his assignment. That is the reward of faithfulness in serving that which belongs to another man.
HOW TO FULFILL THE SECOND BEST POSITION
For I have no one like him [no one of so kindred a spirit] who will be so genuinely interested in your welfare and devoted to your interests.
For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus...
Philippians 2:20-21a AMPNotice how Paul described the anointing and role of the second best on Timothy, “For I have no one like him.” What made Timothy different from the other men in Paul’s life? Paul gave the answer in Philippians 2:21, “For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ...” Timothy’s faithfulness as a second best leader stood out. He served without a personal agenda. He pursued the agenda of his spiritual father by helping to advance it. There were other men in Paul’s life, but they all had self-centered agendas. How do you measure up in the supportive role and second best position of those you’re called to serve? A genuine second best leader always stands out in the midst of those who serve their own interests. When you find yourself in a second best role, understand its significance in your life, and never attempt to take the rod of authority out of the hands of your first string leader.