Mark 9:35(NLT)
He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
Jesus teaching His disciples said anyone who wants to be first must be the very last and the servant of all. That is, there’s a place of honor for those who voluntarily set themselves aside to attend to other’s needs. To further emphasize the role and importance of service in Christianity, Jesus told His disciples in John 13:13-15 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” The leadership principles Jesus taught are firmly built on fellowship, service, humility, obedience, and loyalty. Ministry is service and stewardship, it is the call of God in our lives. We are serving as messengers, carrying out God’s orders of which His major order is to reconcile man back to Himself. And this requires our hearts and undying devotion to Him. We serve Him best by serving others. The lower we bend, the closer we are to Him.
There are various mysteries in Christianity. For example, the first must be last, and servant of all, the way to live is to die, and the way to receive is to give. The uniform teaching of the Word of God is against self-seeking, self-projection, self-exaltation, needless ambition, and pride of life. Philippians 2:7-8 says “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” When Jesus visited earth in the form of a servant, He showed that the Hand of God is not too big for the little person in the world. However, in life and ministry, many would like to show that they are in charge, even though they are not managers or headmen. They want to be the ones calling the shots, running a parallel government to their superiors. Such people are involved in every divisive and rebellious scheme witnessed in the Church and society. These operate through charismatic witchcraft, entangled in very clever mind-control. They want to be recognized and honored first and above others. It is their suggestion or nothing else. As children of God, struggling and manipulating our way to gain greatness over others is very ungodly.
Beloved, bribing your way to success, cutting corners to reach the top, and defying all Christian ethics run contrary to the Word of God. Let your name never be mentioned anywhere that you cheated your way to success. Never in second take steps that are ungodly to attain the desired position, thereby losing the Presence and favor of God. Do not be trapped in the web of comparison, dissatisfaction, strife, job, or titles. Discover who you are in Christ and accept your primary responsibility in the Kingdom. Learn to be submissive in service and followership. Above all, do it wholeheartedly, not as a master but as a servant of God. Remember, a faithful servant will always abound with blessings, but he who looks for popularity and human respect will only have that as a reward. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
O LORD, grant me the grace to continually live a life of service to You as a good follower in Jesus’ Name.