Resolved to serve others in His Name without pushing for position or my personal gain.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Deep within the heart of man is a backwards view of greatness. There is a thought that the person who has the most under his or her direct authority is the greatest of all. This is why there is such a push in our culture by individuals to gain positions. We even call it “climbing the ladder of success.” The concept is that the higher up the ladder you go, the more people you have under your charge.

This was a common thought even among the first disciples of Jesus. So much so, they even argued over who would sit at the right hand of Jesus in His kingdom. The right hand was considered a seat of honor. Jesus had to give them a new way of looking at greatness. He said, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42–44)

The call of Jesus upon the life of a disciple is completely contrary to the culture’s vantage point. What is astonishing is how many secular leadership books are actually teaching this concept of serving others as the primary way to influence. Jim Collins, the author of Good To Great, studied companies that made a move from being a good company to a great company. The first notable characteristic of great companies was that their leaders possessed humility. They were others-focused. They were focused on serving others instead of figuring out a way to get others to serve them. This is what Jesus taught. And more importantly, this is what Jesus lived. He was others-focused, and in humility, He considered the needs of others above His own (Philippians 2:5–11).

Since disciples are to reflect the character of Jesus, it only makes sense that we would be the greatest servants of all. God has uniquely planted you as His disciple where you live, work, and play, so that you could serve. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the culture’s view of greatness. Be resolved to serve others in His Name without pushing for position or personal gain.

Disciple’s Task: Be honest, are you pushing for position or notoriety in any area of your life? In the home? At work? In the church? If so, confess that to the Lord and trust that He will lift you up when He sees fit.