Nov 26 2008
To Be Great You Must Serve…
Scripture is full of irony. Have you noticed how often it seems politically incorrect? Nearly always.
First of all, Jesus was part of the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And though Jesus had a divine nature and was equal to Almighty God Himself, He chose to submit Himself, coming to earth as a human being, living the life of an outcast, and then dying an agonizing death that He didn’t deserve, in our place.
When we seek wisdom regarding the right thing to do we can always look to our model, Jesus.
In the gospels we read the story of James and John, who really had to have a great deal of nerve to tell Jesus they wanted Him to do what they asked. With great patience Jesus said, “What do you want me to do?” They said, “Grant that we may sit in Your glory, one on your right hand and one on your left.” (Mark 10:35-27) He told them they didn’t know what they were asking. And at that stage of the game, they had no clue that would mean laying down their lives for their faith.
Mark 10:43-45 says Jesus answered them, “Whosoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life for many.”
Even today these words turn conventional wisdom on its ear. Those who would strive for wealth, fame and a name can build it all up over their lifetimes, but they can’t take it with them. As I’ve heard it said, “There’s never a U-Haul behind a hearse.”
Jesus says that when our hearts belong to God, we will long to serve and please Him. And anyone who’s been rich knows the accumulation of material goods fot its own sake is an empty pursuit, unless we bless others with it. And in order to lead others to Christ we must serve them. This means loving our enemies, which is another tough sale these days, even to Christians.
The thing is, we can do none of these things in our own strength, which means that we must be connected and leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit to make them happen.
Today I’m asking God to enlarge my vision regarding servanthood. To love others through me, in ways I’ve never dared believe for…
Because of His great love,
Nancy
