What comes to mind when you think about greatness? To many people, it means power, wealth, or celebrity. Of course, those are the values of the world system but this is not the way Jesus defined greatness.
In the 20th chapter of the book of Matthew, we find a story in which the mother of the disciples James and John asks Jesus for a favor. She asks that her sons would be granted to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in His kingdom. These being places of great honor, would place James and John in a position higher than the other disciples. I’m sure you can imagine the indignance the other disciples must have felt upon hearing this request. They probably thought the brothers of Zebedee had put their mother up to this.
But Jesus was quick to set them straight. He told them that even though the rulers and high officials of the Gentiles lord their authority over the people, His disciples were not to act that way. Instead, they were to demonstrate the spirit of a servant, as Jesus had demonstrated His entire earthly ministry.
Jesus told them “… whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him 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 20:26-28).
You see, having the spirit of a servant is the difference between being a guest and a host. Do you see an opportunity to help someone in need? Respond with love and action.
Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly, because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:22-23 CSB
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. In doing so, God will mold you into the character of Christ.
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