Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
This instruction here given by Christ came on the heels of a request that was made by the mother of James and John, for her sons to have the first and second place in Christ's kingdom. Flattered by visions of power and glory, they had lost sight of the law of service which characterizes true greatness, and so their request was made in secret, apart from the other disciples, so as to procure a positive answer from Christ, before any of their other brethren dared to ask.
But when the other ten disciples heard of their ambitious request, it invoked feelings of envy, resentment, and anger, that the two had the audacity to make such a brazen request. The indignation of the disciples threatened the unity that should always characterize the followers of Christ, and before it could reach a boiling point, Jesus addressed the volatile situation by clearly stating the law upon which true greatness is founded, the law of service. Christ began by making a clear distinction between the principles of this world, and the principles of the kingdom of light.
In the secular world, power, fame, position and fortune are the ruling elements that define earthly greatness, and those who are in positions of power and authority often pride themselves on the privilege of having many servants who serve at their beck and call. But in God's kingdom greatness is defined by service with a humble heart, not for favor or reward, but because it is a blessing and high privilege to serve others. The very nature of God's creative works is based on the law of service. Trees bear fruit so that others can enjoy, flowers bloom to cheer the pathway of others, angels minister to the needs of humanity, the sun provides heat to warm our planet, and the oceans streams and rivers provide water and food for man and beast, it's all based on service.
In our own experience, we should seek to become involved in some kind of service to our fellowmen, whereby the down-trodden might be lifted up, and the lost found. Instead of waiting to be served by others, and instead of clamoring for various church positions and titles, we should ask The Lord how can we be of service to Him, and to our neighbors, families, and friends, and if we make ourselves available, God will make us effective instruments, so that we can be of tremendous benefit to those we come in contact with.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to reach out to others in loving selfless service, and God is willing and able to fill us with His spirit, so that we can be effective witnesses for Him. Let's read:
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
May we begin to implement the instructions given in God's word, for therein lies the true meaning of life and success. "Good night" and God bless!