The Path to True Greatness

“And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’” Matthew 20:24-28

Most of the world, including Christians, are into the power game. We want authority and position whereby our agendas - even our wills - can be imposed on others. We want to be the boss. We want others to listen to us. We want to control the office, the home, the church, the neighborhood. In so doing, we buy into the misconception that influence, importance, and self-worth come from reaching the top of the power structure.

In seeking to be great, we lose so much. People become objects who we try to manipulate, not brothers and sisters who we can help. Our emotions become trained to conquer, not love. Pride, anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, and greed predominate. Grabbing for power always alienates us from others. Loneliness is a constant companion.

The Lord’s way is not through power but through service. Once saved, we are given a new capacity to serve the Father and others, seeking His glory and their welfare. Servanthood is not the easy way, for it runs against the grain of fleshly self-interest. But it is the path to true greatness in the kingdom of God and on earth.

“...through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13