THE GREAT AMONG US
Whoever wants to become great among us must be your servant. Matt. 20:26, N.I.V.
The missionaries traveled deep into the desert wasteland, encountering many interesting tribesmen. Though uncivilized, these natives had a culture that was rich with elaborate ritual and dress. Claws, feathers, and the teeth of wild animals adorned their bodies as they danced to the beat of hollowed-out log drums. As the missionaries moved closer to areas settled by white Europeans, they noticed the subtle intrusion of modern paraphernalia into tribal attire. Cast-off tin lids and other odd items were included in the decorations worn by the dancers.
We smile at the innocent ignorance of such heathen peoples. Not knowing what to do with the items they discovered while foraging near civilized communities, they simply wore them. I wonder if we as Christians sometimes haven't done similarly as we "discover" the teachings of the Master. Take, for example, His statement about greatness: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."
Some get the idea that the lowest station in life is to be worn as a sort of badge of humility--that any kind of personal achievement is to be shunned because self-depreciation equals piety. Such ideas are gathered up and uselessly hung upon the life of the Christian. The sad part is that no good is brought to the wearer, and others are misled as well.
In the first place, humility is a quality of spirit, not an outward adornment. Someone who has a heart to serve will do so in any capacity. If the need arises for great achievement in a given field in order to accomplish the highest service, the Christian who has the spirit of humility will not defer because of some compulsion to announce inner piety.
In God's eyes, true servanthood makes for greatness, whether an individual is in a prestigious position or a lowly one--which tells us something about our "great God!" In the passage in which today's scripture is found, Jesus touched the nerve of the Isrealite nation by alluding to Roman rulership. He said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them [and you], and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you" (verses 25, 26, N.I.V.). "Don't lead as they do!" was what He was saying, not "Don't seek to be leaders."
Rather than seeking to avoid achievement, let us seek to utilize all our abilities to attain excellence in service.
Whoever wants to become great among us must be your servant. Matt. 20:26, N.I.V.
The missionaries traveled deep into the desert wasteland, encountering many interesting tribesmen. Though uncivilized, these natives had a culture that was rich with elaborate ritual and dress. Claws, feathers, and the teeth of wild animals adorned their bodies as they danced to the beat of hollowed-out log drums. As the missionaries moved closer to areas settled by white Europeans, they noticed the subtle intrusion of modern paraphernalia into tribal attire. Cast-off tin lids and other odd items were included in the decorations worn by the dancers.
We smile at the innocent ignorance of such heathen peoples. Not knowing what to do with the items they discovered while foraging near civilized communities, they simply wore them. I wonder if we as Christians sometimes haven't done similarly as we "discover" the teachings of the Master. Take, for example, His statement about greatness: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."
Some get the idea that the lowest station in life is to be worn as a sort of badge of humility--that any kind of personal achievement is to be shunned because self-depreciation equals piety. Such ideas are gathered up and uselessly hung upon the life of the Christian. The sad part is that no good is brought to the wearer, and others are misled as well.
In the first place, humility is a quality of spirit, not an outward adornment. Someone who has a heart to serve will do so in any capacity. If the need arises for great achievement in a given field in order to accomplish the highest service, the Christian who has the spirit of humility will not defer because of some compulsion to announce inner piety.
In God's eyes, true servanthood makes for greatness, whether an individual is in a prestigious position or a lowly one--which tells us something about our "great God!" In the passage in which today's scripture is found, Jesus touched the nerve of the Isrealite nation by alluding to Roman rulership. He said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them [and you], and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you" (verses 25, 26, N.I.V.). "Don't lead as they do!" was what He was saying, not "Don't seek to be leaders."
Rather than seeking to avoid achievement, let us seek to utilize all our abilities to attain excellence in service.
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