I grew up in a competitive environment.
I strived to have the best grades, have the best attendance in church, and learn the most verses for Sunday school. Then I went to a college where competitiveness was part of the culture. Everything—grades, sports, cars—was a competition between groups.
With that kind of background, I viewed the Christian life as one characterized by competition as well. Who couldn’t empathize with James and John for wanting to be top dogs in Jesus’ kingdom (Mark 10:36)? Peter and the others were probably just as mad because they did not get to ask the question first (Luke 9:46). Jesus took the wind out of their sails by telling them that the one who wished to be the greatest would have to serve everyone else.
But who wants to serve, unless it is in tennis or volleyball? Serving wasn’t on my bucket list of things to do.
Like everything else, God taught me about my selfishness. His patience, along with a forbearing wife and two sons, helped me learn to serve. One of the key things in being a servant is asking the one you want to serve what they really want. And Jesus was the supreme example because He knew what we needed and served even when it cost Him everything (Philippians 2:5-8).
The secret of serving is doing the opposite of what we naturally want to do: placing the desires of others ahead of our own and looking for opportunities to serve without calling attention to ourselves.
Imagine our world if we all competed in serving others?
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Marcellus George is an author and a professor of theology. He and his wife are thankful for their adopted twin sons. He enjoys writing and reflecting on all the things God has done for us in adopting us. You can connect with him on his website, "Lessons From the Adoptive Journey," at https://marcellusgeorge.com.