Who's the goodest?
Mark 9 (33-37)
What are the characteristics of a great person? In your opinion, what makes a person great?
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
What does that mean? First what? How can you be first AND very last?
Steve asked what/who comes to our minds when we think of success or greatness? A lot of people said those two qualities are not mutually exclusive. You can be great in God's Kingdom and unsuccessful in the world.
What do you think?
The word "servant" in the original Greek text meant...servant. To serve. It's not metaphorical. We are to serve others and touch the lives of others around us in Jesus' name.
What would happen if every Christian in Madison adopted the attitude of servanthood? What would Madison look like?
"God loves me as I am, not as I should be, because I'm never going to be as I should be." - Brennan Manning
Steve said we need to really humble ourselves and put ourselves into the position to serve.
Can you think of some times this week when you really served others? Not to get something in return, but really just to serve them. Can you think of any opportunities this coming week where you can serve someone?
What needs can be met in the group of people I know? Who in my circle of friends could use my help?
Steve says that we don't need to be the most influential person in Madison to be great in God's eyes.
Be great this week!
1 comment:
If greatness is determined by serving, I believe it puts everyone on the same playing field.
For if greatness comes from something else - influence, visible impact, measurable results, acquisition of things, placement of authority, roles & positions, respect & acknowledgement in the eyes of the world or Christian community, etc - then many, many great people would be left out & many people would be falsely included.
Jesus teaches something different - if you have a lot or a little, serve with what you have. If you know a thousand people or 3, serve them. If you have millions of dollars or a couple, use it to bless those around you.
I'm reminded of the widow with the pennies & Jesus determined that she gave the most and was quite impressed with her.
This should encourage us because I think we often measure how well we are doing by comparing ourselves to someone else. And we can always find someone doing way more than us or someone doing way worse - so our view of self is determined by who we happen to be comparing ourselves to at any given time.
Rather, we should look at ourselves, discover how we can serve the people around us, and know that Christ loves it when we give all of who we are to the people around us.
I sincerely want to be great in God's eyes & I know the pathway to accomplishing that is by humbling myself and serving the people around me. Jesus modeled it & I must strive to follow that example in all I do.
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