“But 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 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 10:43-45 NASB
That’s a pretty clear message. But that doesn’t really mean we understand it. Getting to the top by heading to the bottom? Definitely contradicts the way things are in our culture today. But stop and take a moment to think about Jesus’ life here on Earth.
Jesus lived His life here as a life of service. Apart from the ultimate sacrifice He mad on the cross look at everything else in His ministry. The healings, the teaching, showing compassion to social outcasts, and even washing His disciples feet (John 13:3-16). Jesus lived as a servant to all.
The most exciting part about being a servant is that its a ministry that we can do anywhere at anytime. We don’t need to go overseas or raise a budget. It doesn’t require any specialized training or skills. Simple because its a ministry of everyday life. All that is required is a willingness to obey Christ, and to allow the Holy Spirit to use us to serve others. Once we make that decision we will find endless opportunities to minister through service.
Just think about all the everyday places you can serve in your life. Home, school, work, the grocery store, your neighborhood. Literally anywhere you go you can be of service to people. The Bible tells that everything we do, we should do it for God (Colossians 3:23), and our everyday activities are no different.
Our service is more than just being a good person though. Its our witness. Service is just not about exhibiting a Christ-like attitude, but about bringing people to Christ. Our witness is not just about what who we say we are, or the words we speak. Its about the life you live and who you live it for.
So think about that the next time you step out. Throw all your grumpiness and bad attitudes in the trash. Put on your service shirt and bring a little of Christ’s love and joy into the world around you. Let that little light of yours shine! And don’t forget these instructions from Jesus:
“If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all”
Mark 9:35
Resonant Love 