How to Achieve Greatness

Daily Devotional – Friday, April 14, 2023
And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.
Mark 10:44 (NKJV)

From an early, society teaches us to compete. At the end of the school term, teachers reward the best performer in both academic and non-academic spheres. The average child wants to become a great because achievements reinforce self-esteem.

The Great Ones Exercise Authority

We carry the desire for first position, power and elevation into adulthood. For example, in the political and civic world, there is cutthroat competition for power. Winning comes with adoration and service from fellow human beings. The victor becomes the boss, with servants at his disposal. The higher one’s position, the more the servants.

Not so in the spiritual realm. Jesus, while addressing his feuding disciples, stated, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.” (Mark 10:42). That is the norm in worldly circles.

The Greatest Shall Be Your Servant

He continues, “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45).

Contrary to human beliefs and practices, the path to greatness in God’s kingdom starts from the bottom. That is what Jesus did. He humbled Himself to the level of a servant and died on the cross to save humanity. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9).

How to Achieve Greatness

Like the disciples, we must follow the example of Jesus. To be exalted, we have to be humbled. To become winners we have to serve others. In the kingdom of God, unlike in the earthly realm, the greatest is not the most powerful or most vocal, but the one who sacrifices for the sake of others.

You can become great, the godly way. Look around your family, neighborhood and church. Which opportunities for service do you see? Are there individuals or families that would do with your material or moral assistance? How best can you replicate the teachings of Jesus on serving our way to greatness?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, show me how to serve my way to greatness.