“You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45
How do you feel when you see other people get an award? Sometimes we feel envious. We wonder why a person should make so much money and be given so much praise just for being able to throw a ball or play a part. We might even think, “I could do that.”
We don’t like people who seek fame and fortune for themselves – people who thrust themselves forward. It bothers us that James and John presumed to ask for positions of honor. We would rather that people receive their awards with humility. Like this…
“I don’t deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don’t deserve that either.” Jack Benny
“My mother used to tell me man gives the award, God gives the reward. I don’t need another plaque.” Denzel Washington
And then there are those who consider fame essential: “In the book of Gaga, fame is in your heart; fame is there to comfort you, to bring you self-confidence and worth whenever you need it.” Lady Gaga
Why do we all want to be popular? Why do we want others to remember our name? It is because we want to be loved. But, of course, fame is not the same as being loved. Many famous people even take their own lives because they fear that no one really loves them.
But there IS one who really loves us. Your name may not be known at all among the many people on earth, but there is one who knows your name. He came to serve you. He came to give you life. And he calls you to serve with him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, who am I? I am no one in this world, but I know that I am important in your kingdom. I am not the greatest, but I am yours. Amen.