And when the ten heard [it], they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to [Himself] and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

– Mark 10:41-45 (NKJV)

When I got sick with my heart stuff there was a pastor friend of mine who came to see me in the hospital. I didn’t really expect him to come, to that moment we weren’t close. He had always stuck me as a little goofy and I’m probably more a stick in the mud than I care to admit. When he came to see me he went out of his way to serve me. He knew I couldn’t have a lot of liquid and so be brought me some suckers. When I came home, he brought a meal from my favorite restaurant to the house. Every time I turned around he was blessing me in some small way. He never took a lot of time but was there for me in ways that I needed. I don’t think it was until I experienced that level of unsolicited service that I understood what Jesus was saying in this passage.

Now when my friend speaks, I’ve learned to listen. It’s not because of all the degrees that has, or books that he has written, it’s not even due to his charming personality (which is a lot more interesting once I started paying attention). I listen because he showed me that he cared for me by serving me. In his way, my friend demonstrated the love of Christ.

This is kingdom living when we take the focus off ourselves and place it on others. It has a way of blessing others and blessing us in the process. I don’t have all the giftings or sense of need that my friend has (he has had years to hone his skills), but I have been provoked to serve others better in whatever opportunities the Lord provides. Serving God by serving others is much better than being selfish and expecting people to take care of you.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. We are grateful for those who have been tremendous influences on our lives by their small, kind acts of service. We are grateful for the opportunities that we have to serve others with our unique talents and gifts. Let us all serve you by serving others and in doing so bring Glory, Honor, and Recognition due your name. Give us discernment as we apply your word to our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.