JESUS SPEAKING
But Jesus called them to himself and said, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. However, it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10: 42 – 45.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
As children we are taught that dominance is better than submission, and that a higher social status means a better life. Many therefore seek to acquire positions of great power and authority. Yet Christ’s teachings are in direct opposition to such worldly principles. Those who follow Jesus must deny what they have been taught, in order to embrace the doctrines of genuine faith and divine humility. Only by abandoning the desire for greatness, can one completely and lovingly serve others. [Note: This does not mean you need to quit your job or stop seeking a higher wage or position. However, we must always be humble, no matter our station in life.]
For years young men from across the country have flocked to the church where I used to serve, seeking to do pastoral ministry. Many hopefuls were initially referred to a pastor named Romain, who employed a special technique designed to separate the qualified from the unqualified. As the prospects approached, he would hand them a broom and tell them to go sweep a portion of the church. Although many were obedient, others felt insulted and became upset. One common response sounded something like this, “I came here to be a pastor and to teach the bible, not to sweep floors.” Pastor Romain knew then that they did not have a servant’s heart; they had not come to serve and to practice humility, but to acquire power and authority.
Those who follow the Son of God must give-up the desire for worldly greatness in order to pursue lowliness and humility. Seeking to serve others rather than to be served, we become the men and women God has called us to be. We can serve at home, in the community, at work, and in our church. We can serve our family members, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers. Only through selflessness and sacrifice can we be transformed into the image of our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Lord Heavenly Father, inspire us to seek lowliness and humility. May we hunger to love and serve others in sincerity and singleness of heart. Provide us with opportunities to place the needs of our fellows ahead of our own, that we might be examples of Your great mercy and everlasting affection. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 