Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,
“If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Mark 9:35
Greatness, to some, may be about their awards, or paycheck, or status. But for Jesus, it would seem, greatness in any pursuit is not about personal accolades and achievements, it’s about influence—being a holy influence.
When we are talking about the value system of the Kingdom of God, and being servant to others, we are talking about being a good witness to Christ and the Gospel and being an approachable human being who helps to promote and serve the good of others. It’s the Golden Rule, the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount all rolled into character formation and personal integrity. Selfishness must surrender to humility. And we ought to stop worrying who gets the credit or the limelight and be more about giving glory to God.
Easier said than done, for sure, but worthy of daily practice and being unafraid to start over when we fail.
Lord, grow in us the virtues we need grow the Kingdom of God.
