If you want to be great in the Kingdom of God, than you must become servant to all. This principal is enunciated by Jesus several times in the Gospels. (For example see Mark 9:36; 10:42 - 45) If you want to be first, then take the last, the lowest position which means you serve others.
This goes against all that is natural in any human kingdom; large kingdoms where those in power rule millions of people; smaller kingdoms where the "big man" may lead only 100 people in the company, small town or church; or perhaps the smallest kingdom, the family. Don't we strive to climb the ladder of success so that others will serve us?
The term "big man" is used in a number of countries to refer not just to a position of power but also to a common cultural concept and practice. The "big man" does everything he can to hold onto power. He does not share the knowledge or power he has gained; he does all he can to get money and influence for himself and his relatives.
The teaching of Jesus shocked his disciples in the first century. It is still shocking when the principles of His kingdom are taught and practiced in the 21st century. Why would you struggle to rise to the top position only to use the power and prestige you've gained to serve others? This is simply to turn everything upside down.
Yet the best of leaders: politicians, company CEO's, and others, understand this principle even if they don't know that this was taught by Jesus 2000 years ago. We often are impressed by people of power. But nothing is more impressive than people of power who use that power to serve, not themselves, but others.
Are you aiming for first place today? Who do you expect to serve?
This goes against all that is natural in any human kingdom; large kingdoms where those in power rule millions of people; smaller kingdoms where the "big man" may lead only 100 people in the company, small town or church; or perhaps the smallest kingdom, the family. Don't we strive to climb the ladder of success so that others will serve us?
The term "big man" is used in a number of countries to refer not just to a position of power but also to a common cultural concept and practice. The "big man" does everything he can to hold onto power. He does not share the knowledge or power he has gained; he does all he can to get money and influence for himself and his relatives.
The teaching of Jesus shocked his disciples in the first century. It is still shocking when the principles of His kingdom are taught and practiced in the 21st century. Why would you struggle to rise to the top position only to use the power and prestige you've gained to serve others? This is simply to turn everything upside down.
Yet the best of leaders: politicians, company CEO's, and others, understand this principle even if they don't know that this was taught by Jesus 2000 years ago. We often are impressed by people of power. But nothing is more impressive than people of power who use that power to serve, not themselves, but others.
Are you aiming for first place today? Who do you expect to serve?
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