FCA: The Relentless Devotional For CompetitorsSýnishorn

The Waterboy

Jimmy Page (adapted from WisdomWalks Sports)

READY:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be slave of all.” – Mark 10:43-44

SET:

Last summer at FCA Captain’s Camp, I was given the job of camp “waterboy.” It made me think back to when I was a high school athlete how waterboys were treated as the “least” important part of the team. They did the job no one else wanted to do.

But Jesus never views those who play a seemingly “small” role as unimportant. In fact, Jesus flips that concept on its head. He says the least among us will be the greatest. Those we consider great – the best players, the best coaches – will only be considered great in God’s eyes if they serve like the waterboy serves.

In Mark 9:33-37, the disciples were arguing with each other about who was the greatest. So Jesus called them all over and confronted them saying, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (v. 35) Wow. Convicting, right?

Jesus came to serve out of the position of humility, not to sit in the place of honor. He didn’t seek status – He served. Those we think are least important, God considers the most important.

When’s the last time you heard someone say they wanted to be “the least”? That’s exactly what Jesus became – the least. He served us through His sacrifice and continues to serve us today. Serving out of humility produces greatness. There is no other road to greatness in the eyes of the Lord. If you want to be great for Him, you have to serve.

GO:

1. As a competitor or coach, is it easier to serve or be served? Why?
2. How can you show others they are more important than you?

WORKOUT:

Philippians 2:3-4
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Matthew 23:1-12

OVERTIME:

Father, thank You for modeling how to serve out of humility. Help me to find specific ways to serve those around me. Amen.