Mark 9:33-37
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:33-37 (NIV)
While I am in awe of Southwood’s heart for service, it never hurts to be reminded that the true measure of greatness is not in power or wealth, but in humility and service to others. Here are some of my favorite quotes related to this topic:
“We’re never more like Satan than when we’re serving out of a desire to be recognized, and we’re never more like Jesus than when we’re serving with no need for recognition, no reputation seeking, just wanting to lay down our lives for His sake and others.” -Nancy Leigh DeMoss
“I was with one of our families this week when they had a new baby born. I was looking at that child who was totally helpless and realized the antithesis of that pride is what Jesus did when He came as a servant leader and stripped Himself of everything He had in heaven. He came in a very demeaning way, as a helpless baby. Then throughout His life, He illustrated the exact opposite of what we’re talking about when we talk about that desire to be praised, that desire to be in the spotlight. He was always illustrating what it meant to lead but be a servant at the same time. You see it all the way through Scripture.” -Holly Elliff
“A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.” -Nelson Mandela
“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
“True leadership is servanthood. Put the interests of others at the center of your decisions.” -Dave Ramsey
Questions for Reflection:
- Who do you consider “the greatest”?
- Did someone famous pop into your mind?
- With humility and service at the forefront, rethink who your “greatest” might be?
- Did you choose differently?
- What do you admire about that person?
Prayer:
Dear God, please reframe our minds to value humility and servanthood rather than status. Help us touch many lives and do so in a way that honors You. Amen
**Devotion orginially posted on October 24, 2024.**
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