BEING A SERVANT

Many people have a desire for greatness. We see people referred to as "great" in many different skills, whether in sports, investing, writing, entertainment, cooking, starting a successful business, etc. We read books and watch videos that tell us what it means to be great, and how to get there.

When Jesus came, he taught about being great, and showed how to be great, but the greatness He displayed was not in an area you would typically identify with greatness.

• Matt 20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.
• Matt 20:26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,
• Matt 20:27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;
• Matt 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Jesus tells us simply how true greatness is achieved - by being a servant to others. He said we should see ourselves as a slave to others, instead of the master. And, He tells us that this purpose was His purpose in His life. This is what He sought, and what He was known for. It permeated everything He did.

• Luke 22:27 "For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as the one who serves."

What was unique about Jesus, is that He set aside His ultimate greatness as God, and not only became a man, but as a man, set His focus on serving people.

• Phil 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
• Phil 2:6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
• Phil 2:7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
• Phil 2:8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

In this greatness that Jesus displayed, He asks us to do the same. Jesus life was defined by how He served others, and we are told it should also define us.

• John 13:13 "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am.
• John 13:14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
• John 13:15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.
• John 13:16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him."

Not only does Jesus show us this extreme position as a servant, but He also warns us about what should be our focus, our goal. If greatness is the goal, you've missed the point. Servanthood wants others to get the benefits, the greatness, the glory. True servanthood takes the focus off of your work and success, and focuses on other's work and success.

• Luke 22:24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.
• Luke 22:25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called `Benefactors.'
• Luke 22:26 "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.

• Gal 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

The two greatest commandments are to love God and love people. To follow in Jesus' example, to love people, being a servant should be a focus in our lives. Take "greatness" out of the picture. We are to unconditionally love each person, and find ways to help and serve others. That is our focus - love people, serve people, often ignoring our own needs and interests. As we push towards that goal, the most important thing to us is the impact we have in the lives of others.

• 1 Cor 9:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.
• 1 Cor 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;
• 1 Cor 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.
• 1 Cor 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

Jesus life was focused on serving others, every day, everywhere. There is a fundamental need for this, in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in sports, in our work, in all we do.

• 2 Cor 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake.

Set yourself aside, and have a passion to help others. More than finding ways to help others, develop a real interest in others and their well-being. See yourself as a bond-servant for Jesus's sake.

It may not be obvious what to do, but first start by seeing each person the way God does, as both a person of great value, but also a person in need. Then, pray for opportunities, and listen for the voice of your Master. When a servant hears the voice of their Master, the servant responds. There is a huge need out there, and God will show it to you.

Have the attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus - through love, serve one another.