Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:43-45
The disciples were arguing again.
Just one chapter earlier, Mark tells a story about the Apostles arguing over who was the greatest. Then, James and John have the audacity to ask Jesus to give them some glory once they get to heaven.
The other Apostles overhear what they ask and an argument breaks out.
Jesus jumps in and explains what it takes to be “great.” For most people, his challenge doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Want to be great on earth? Seek to be served.
Want to be great in heaven? Seek to serve rather than be served.
If really do seek to be served, you are going to be dissappointed. People don’t serve people who want servants. They serve people who serve them.
Other people are too concerned with their own stuff to think about serving you. Don’t expect that.
Try this:
Jesus gives us a pretty simple formula to apply to almost anything in life:
Am I seeking to serve or be served right now?
Asking this question can truly transform the way you approach your life and work.
Seek to be served and you’re likely going fuel some resentment.
Seek to serve, however, and people will be grateful. They will want to serve you in return.
As an employee: Am I seeking to serve or be served by my company?
As a manager: Am I seeking to serve my employees or be served by them?
As a spouse: Am I seeking to serve or be served by my spouse?
As a parent: Am I seeking to serve my kids or be served by them?
As a son or daughter: Am I seeking to serve my parents or be served by them?
As a teacher: Am I seeking to serve my students or be served by them?
As a writer: Am I seeking to serve the readers or be served with praise?
It may take a complete mental shift, but we can always find ways to serve those around us no matter what role we take on.
