“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” ~ Luke 22:24-27
In our competitive environment, it is commonplace to compare ourselves to one another. We seem to always be jockeying for the best position…the best college, best looking spouse, best paying career, house, car, etc. This competitive nature carries over into our church life, as well…how big is our sanctuary, nice is our facility, how many members, the most modern and rocking worship band, best relevant & creative sermon series, etc. This insanity just goes on and on and on. However, Christ says, “NOT SO WITH YOU”!
You see, when you focus outside of self, it’s never about you, your success or your kingdom. It’s always more about the community and those we come in contact with every day, during the natural rhythms of our lives. It’s imperative we focus and invest more on what we have in common, what makes us cooperative and collaborative…not our differences. Debating over theology, doctrine and tradition consumes too much of our time, resource & energy. In all of this noise, the ones who stand to benefit most from all we’ve been blessed with are lost, overlook and discarded.
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. ~ Matthew 20:20-24
Too often we present our belief system as one of fear, but we do not have a fear based belief system. WE HAVE A GRACE, MERCY AND FORGIVENESS BASED SYSTEM! Preachers, churches & ministries are trying more to be the greatest among each other, instead of serving the GREATEST ONE in the Kingdom. Our fear based, selfish and competitive spirit drive our programs in the “busy-ness” of ministry, and we fail at being about our Father’s business to serve His people and our communities, for His purpose and glory, while advancing His Kingdom on the earth.
Our salvation, in Christ, is not for singular of purpose, such as to either be delivered from sin or rescued to heaven, but it is to be unconditionally and relentlessly pursuing Christ on mission, in community to make disciples for His Kingdom purpose. We don’t mature into a call of God; we are the redeemed of the Most High to serve, which is the highest honor.
We are the salt of the earth, the light of the world and a city on a hill to shine so all may see our good works and give glory to God, according to Matthew 5:13:16. As Christ came incarnate to the world, we MUST be incarnational missionaries to the very same world. Do we value the spreading of the gospel more than our affluence, status, title or position? An incarnational life is experienced and encountered outside the 4 walls of our home, business & church.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” ~ John 13:34-35
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” ~ John 15:12-13
When we sit at a table, do we expect to be served or do we get the pitcher and serve? When we leave the comfort of our homes, are we on mission to serve? Do we assertively look for opportunities to serve? Are we equal opportunity servers, or do we only serve those who are most like us, and have the best opportunity of helping us get to the next level of something? When was the last time we asked, where and how can I serve?
Who is the greatest? Christ is THE GREATEST, as well as those who LOVE and SERVE!
James Miller Jr
“Missionary to a Generation”
*Published in the June 5th, 2014 issue of the Port Aransas South Jetty newspaper.
via “Who is the Greatest?” – Grace Church of Port Aransas.
