Tag: Example

True Greatness is Found in Serving

December 2nd, 2024

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10:43, NIV)

Reflection:
The world defines greatness by titles, power, and wealth. Yet Jesus turns this notion on its head, declaring servanthood as the essence of greatness. Imagine a master washing the feet of his servants. This is the image Christ paints for authentic leadership. Humility, not dominance, is the pathway to impact in the kingdom of God.

Jesus’ words challenge the innate human desire for recognition and control. He says, “Not so with you.” This call to service confronts our tendency to strive for prominence at the expense of others. A.W. Tozer once said, “The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of inferiority, but he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson.” The practice of true servanthood requires us to boldly lay aside personal ambitions for the sake of others.

The story of James and John seeking positions of power in Jesus’ kingdom is quite relevant (Mark 10:35-45). Their request, though earnest, revealed a misunderstanding of leadership in God’s economy. Jesus patiently redirected them: leadership is not about lording authority but lifting others.

Consider how often our motives for service stem from seeking affirmation or visibility. True servanthood, however, flows from a heart aligned with God’s purposes, seeking His glory above personal gain. John Stott captured this beautifully: “Greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by how low we stoop to serve.”

Imagine a world where individuals prioritize the need of others. we will see communities healing, relationships thriving, and God’s kingdom expanding. there is no pretension is servanthood; it’s a lifestyle. it reflects the heart of Christ to the world.

Challenge, Prayer, and Further Reading:
This week, ask God to reveal opportunities to serve unnoticed. Pray for joy in serving others, knowing how much it honours Christ. Reflect also on Matthew 23:11–12, which reminds us that humility leads to elevation. Read from Philippians 2:3–4. There we have the instruction to value others above ourselves. Look into Matthew 20:25–28, which focuses on Christ’s example of servanthood. Meditate on how Christ’s humility inspires the need for change in your life.

Transformation begins when service becomes the cornerstone of our interactions.
Walking Humbly with God

November 22nd, 2024

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” — James 4:10

Humility lays the foundation for justice and mercy to flourish. Without it, noble intentions risk becoming self-serving. In chapter 4:10, James asked believers to embrace humility. This attitude and virtue will create space for God’s transforming empowerment in their lives. Humility magnifies God’s greatness by shifting the focus from personal ambition to His sovereign will.

Jesus consistently exemplified humility in His ministry. Although He held the right to divine exaltation, He chose servanthood instead. In John 13:1–17, Jesus knelt to wash the feet of His disciples—a task assigned to servants. This act challenged cultural norms and revealed that true leadership in God’s Kingdom begins with humility. He referred to this ethos in John 13:14. He said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”

Walking humbly with God requires surrendering self-directed agendas and recognizing Him as the source of all gifts. Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies this surrender. Faced with the extraordinary call to carry the Messiah, she declared, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Her humility allowed God’s divine plan to unfold through her obedience.

In a culture fixated on pride and self-promotion, humility disrupts societal expectations. It compels believers to prioritize God’s glory over personal advancement, to listen before speaking, and to elevate others above themselves. Humility builds unity, strengthens relationships, and invites God’s wisdom to shape decisions and actions.

Consider areas in your life where pride may obscure your relationship with God. Reflect on how you can relinquish control and embrace humility in your interactions. Surrender fosters divine strength, enabling God’s presence to guide and sustain your journey.

Pray to the Lord to lead you to walk humbly before Him, entrusting His plans above your ambitions. Ask for His help to elevate others and reflect His humility through your service. Resolve today to humble yourself and actively seek opportunities to uplift others for His glory.

For further reflection, read Psalm 103:8–13. In this passage, God reveals His compassion and mercy by forgiving sins and remembering human frailty. Further in Micah 6:8, God calls His people to embody justice, mercy, and humility. In James 2:13 also, we see that mercy triumphs over judgment. It encourages believers to extend grace to others as they have received it.

Tag: Example

True Greatness is Found in Serving

Walking Humbly with God