Monday, May 2, 2022

Listen to the Word
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." (Mark 10:42-44)

Jesus points us to a radical new path to greatness: the path of service. He says that greatness is not about being the smartest or the fastest or the richest or the retweetedest. Jesus says that the way to become truly great is to serve.

God sees the corporate executive increasing his stock portfolio, and he yawns. He sees the movie star with her gazillion dollar dress taking home another Oscar, and he shrugs his shoulders. He sees the politician developing a broader power base, and he rolls his eyes. But God sees a middle school student in the school cafeteria who moves over to sit with the new kid, and he perks up. He sees the widow on fixed income who donates a set of sheets to the homeless shelter, and he smiles. He sees the person who takes the time to listen to someone who is lonely, and he applauds.

The greatest in God's eyes is the one who serves.

Live the Word
Think of someone you know who is struggling with loneliness. Write them a note, give them a call, or find another way to offer some encouragement.