It Shall Not Be So Among You!

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10: 42-45

Authority in the kingdom of God is stood on its head. When Jesus heard the disciples arguing over who would the greatest in the kingdom, he gave them the above teaching. The greatest is the one who becomes a slave to all. From the world's perspective, greatness is achieved by attaining the pinnacle of the pyramid. Take a look at the back of a dollar bill. What symbol do you find on our money? A pyramid topped by an all seeing eye. When one becomes the President of the Company, he or she gets to tell everyone else what to do. That is why people claw their way to the top of the heap only to discover when they get there that it is a hollow experience. Fame, wealth and glory can never fullfill the inner need for what we all crave. What is it that we really want? To be loved and appreciated by someone. How do you gain love and appreciation? By becoming a servant to all. It is another of one of those paradoxes!

As an elder at church I struggle with this concept daily. Sometimes the demands of people can just overwhelm me. And, that is when I have to turn towards God and put it in his hands. My selfish nature wants to be served; but, my spiritual nature realizes that only when I become like Jesus and serve the needs of others that I truly discover joy, peace, love and happiness.

How about you? I would love to hear from some of you on this subject!