Love God Greatly - Made for CommunitySample

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus reminds His disciples of His mission on earth, consisting of His death, burial, and resurrection. But His disciples were not focused on that. They had been disputing amongst themselves about which of them would be greatest. Jesus, knowing what they were discussing, tells them that true greatness is achieved when they choose to be last and servants of all. Jesus uses a child to demonstrate to the disciples the principle of servanthood. Children had no rights, no power, no influence. Yet Jesus tells them that when they receive and honor a child, they are actually honoring Jesus Himself and God the Father. Many times, it is easy to believe that living a humble holy life isn’t enough to receive God’s blessings. We often believe we have to be doing more to help ourselves. This passage shows that humility is the blessing. Instead of promoting ourselves through vain competitiveness, self-promotion, bragging, assertiveness, we are to humble ourselves and esteem others as better than ourselves. Jesus is to be our example. When we are exalted by ourselves or by other people, we can quickly be toppled by their fickle emotions or by our own flaws and mistakes. But if God exalts us, who in the universe can move His mighty hand? Who can topple what God has elevated? Who can take away what God has gifted? In what area of your life do you need to stop seeking recognition, approval, achievements and start serving others? How can you encourage rather than criticize someone who is serving the Lord differently than you would? PRAYER: Father God, I thank You for Your unchanging, immovable hand in our lives. You can be totally relied upon, counted on, and leaned on no matter the circumstance. Please hinder our selfishness and self-centeredness when we strive to be the greatest. Remind us that all good things in our lives are gifts from You, and that if an honored position is meant for me, I won’t have to fight for it, manipulate for it, or brag for it. Help us to remain patient, humble, and prepared for Your timing when all things will come together for our good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.