TO BE FIRST, BE LAST
Mark 9:35b-37
Jesus’ words are intriguing: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last.” How can a person who is last be the first? Jesus solves this dilemma by adding the words “and the servant of all.” That’s the key! A person considered lowly in the sight of man (i.e, being last) is valued as important in the eyes of God (i.e., being last), if that person is a servant of all.
This truth is modeled by Jesus when He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (10:45). Service is the real proof of being first in the kingdom of God. Jesus Himself served others; we ought to serve others, too.
How can we develop as servants of Jesus? First, constantly ask yourself, “What can I do to serve this person?” Second, ask others for their prayer requests and then pray for or with them. Third, volunteer to serve through one ministry in the church. As you do these, you will experience joy and fulfillment that cannot be gained through any other way. The way up in God’s economy is to go down through servanthood.
Meditation:
Today, apply one of the three steps cited above on how to develop as servants of Jesus. Consciously apply it to one person whom you have not served at all or one whom you have not served for awhile.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, make me a servant today, a servant willing to help others without wanting something in return.
