“Comedian Nate Bargatze says his career isn’t just about getting laughs — it’s about living out his belief that he is ‘second to God,’” wrote Leah MarieAnn Klett in the Christian Post.
I have to admit I’d never seen his act—or even heard of Nate Bargatze. Yet he’s been performing stand-up comedy since 2002. In 2024, he was the highest-grossing comic, selling over 1.2 million tickets at sold-out venues across America.
Perhaps my unfamiliarity with Bargatze stems from the fact that he’s known as a clean, family-friendly comedian rather than a controversial entertainer who often attracts media attention.
However, his philosophy of life and career focus piques my interest in hearing him.
“I am second,” the 46-year-old Grammy-nominated comedian told David Marchese, co-host of “The Interview,” a podcast of The New York Times. “Second to God, second to your family, second to the audience. You kind of live to serve. It’s very much a calling in that aspect.”
I like that. Second to God. And second to everyone else.
The comedian has also shared how he wants to honor God with his career: “God has a path,” he said on the “Funjelah” podcast. “I’m just here to follow the path.”
That’s a perspective rooted deeply in Scripture.
That reminds me of Paul’s life affirmation in Galatians 2:20.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Paul’s attitude shaped his ministry to preach, not to please men, but to please God (1 Thess. 2:4). Thus, he exhorted his readers to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10).
Paul’s example and admonition were simply to follow Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve others (Matt. 20:26-28). Even Jesus, though God in the flesh, submitted Himself to the Father’s will. More than once, He affirmed that He came not to do His own will, but the will of God and to “always do those things that please Him” (Jn. 8:28-29).
Purposefully living a life “second” is decidedly different from the call of our culture, whose mantra has long been “Looking Out For Number One.” In a secular, individualistic society, where people constantly demand their rights, the spirit of “second” stands out as different. It is putting into practice the challenge of Scripture—
“Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed…” (Rom. 12:2).
Or as the J. B. Phillips translation renders it: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould.”
Think about how living a life that says, “I’m second” would affect your family, your friends, your neighbors, your job, and your church family.
Such a perspective would result in the practical application of Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:3-4—
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
While most of us will never stand in the spotlight of a famous comedian, our calling is the same. Life is not about you. Or me. It’s about God. It’s about serving others.
In a world obsessed with being first, followers of Jesus are called to a different path.
We’re called to live a life of selfless service.
We’re called to be second.
Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 