Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Greatness Through Serving Others

Bible Reading: St. Mark 10: 35-45

Key verse: “…...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all”

DEVOTION

In a world that often celebrates self-promotion, power, and individual achievement, Jesus' words in Mark 10 stand in stark contrast. His disciples had just been squabbling about who would sit at His right and left hand in glory—a clear indication of their desire for prominence. With profound wisdom, Jesus turns their worldly understanding of greatness on its head. He doesn't forbid the desire for greatness but reveals its true path: "if you want to become great, here's how." His answer is simple yet revolutionary: servanthood.
To be great, according to Jesus, is not about being served, but about serving. It's not about being at the top of a hierarchy, but about being willing to humble yourself and meet the needs of others. The "first" among you will be the "slave of all"—a powerful image that evokes complete dedication and self-sacrifice for the well-being of others. This means that for anyone in a leadership position, or aspiring to one, serving others must be their primary objective.
True service demands immense strength, humility, and love. It requires us to lay down our own agendas, our pride, and our desire for recognition, focusing instead on the needs of those around us. Unfortunately, ambition can sometimes cloud our vision. Even within the church, we can fall prey to selfish motives, seeking roles for the spotlight, cameras, or published recognition rather than genuine ministry. This pursuit of self-glory makes us lose focus on serving God and the people He has entrusted to our care.
Consider the profound impact a truly servant-hearted leader has. They inspire loyalty, foster collaboration, and genuinely build up those they lead. Their influence comes not from their position, but from their sincere care and dedication to others.
Today, let's honestly consider where we are seeking "greatness." Is it in accolades, power, or personal gain? Or are we, as Jesus taught, pursuing greatness through humble service? Let's examine our motives, especially when we step into roles within the church. Are we truly seeking to serve, or are we seeking ourselves?

PRAYER

God, help me to honestly assess my heart and make the necessary changes in my life. Shift my focus from seeking self-recognition to genuinely serving You and the people You have placed around me. Guide me to prioritize what is important in Your eyes, so that I may truly be a blessing to others. Amen.
 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

To truly show our greatness, let's focus on becoming servant-hearted leaders, marked by profound humility and a love for service.


George Samuel, Diocesan Council Member
St. Luke’s Mar Thoma Church, Margate FLORIDA

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