Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Who is the Greatest? Read Mark 9:30-50 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. Mark 9:41 Prevalent in our society is an attitude that to make it to the top, one must be willing to challenge aggressively and defeat all others. The person must almost arrogantly be self-assertive; and if anyone gets in the way, he should be used as a stepping stone. After all, it is said that this is a 'dog-eat-dog' world. Biblical greatness is drastically different. To be great as far as Jesus is concerned, is to be a servant. This servant attitude should characterize all authentic Christian ministries. To have other attitudes in opposition to these is to fail. To adopt a worldly view of greatness and success means that we will never be truly great. The attitude of a humble servant seeks to serve others without playing favorites. Whether we are rich or poor is of no consequence to God, and it should not be to us. Furthermore, we should not play favorites based on what people can do for us. Some people cater to other people because they seek a favor. We should never do so. Rather, we should receive people because they are valuable to God, and every soul is valuable to God regardless of race or color. Notice that Jesus does not discourage ambition. Ambition in itself is not a negative thing. Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be first...” The desire to be first was not rebuked by Jesus, just defined. It must not be selfish ambition. If our ambition is for self-glory and self-gratification, then our ambition is outside of the will of God. Servanthood is the road to greatness. What do you aspire to be in the church and in the world? Are you willing to do the humble tasks of the church or do you think it beneath your dignity to do so? Pray that we will always be willing to serve rather than being served.