Greatness is Serving!
“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” – Mark 10:43
American business philosopher, Jim Rohn, stated, “Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy.” Service is the hallmark to success, a life of fulfillment and significance. Although all servants are not necessarily leaders by position or financially wealthy by the world’s standards, all great leaders and those who consider themselves financially wealthy must be servants. Service is the prerequisite to all worthwhile achievement.
Unfortunately the art of service is being lost in our culture today. Politicians are no longer viewed as public servants, employees are no longer loyal servants, government workers are no longer civil servants, and entrepreneurs are more committed to serving the mighty dollar than serving their customers. The challenge with service is that those in positions of leadership are more interested in the perks of the position than the responsibility.
Moreover, those who are not in leadership resist service because they believe it undermines them and they view those who serve as the least valued in society. Service is an unconditional act done on behalf of another without expectation or above expectation. A servant is an individual with an inner conviction to consider the needs of others before his or her own.
Jesus Christ, the greatest leader who ever lived modeled service for us by providing the greatest act of service that anyone could ever provide. He laid down His life for humanity and instructed His disciples to do as He did. He made it clear that as He came to serve and not be served those who consider themselves His disciples must do likewise for he who wants to be great must first serve. What about those whose service within an organization or a community may never ascend to a leadership responsibility no matter how faithful they are, or those who may never attain a wealthy status no matter how well they serve? What then is their motivation to serve? Remember service is unconditional; we do not serve because it will bring us into greatness we serve because service alone is greatness. Great people serve no matter their position within the organization and service affirms your greatness rather than brings you into greatness. Greatness is not a position but an attitude. You are great no matter your position, your social or economic status. You are great because you are a child of God. God made you great, He created you in His image and likeness, you are fearfully and wonderfully made and that makes you great. Service does not diminish your greatness rather it brings dignity to your acts of service because God made you great. If God created us in His image and likeness and expects us to serve with dignity how should we approach service?
- Serve as unto the Lord.
- Serve with a submissive spirit.
- Serve with a heart of obedience.
- Serve with a sincere heart.
- Serve with confidence.
- Serve according to God’s will.
- Serve with the expectation that God will reward you.
Unfortunately, no matter how great a servant you are in your business or place of employment it may go unnoticed or unappreciated, you could even be taken advantage of, but do not let that deter you from exercising your act of greatness. Servants serve not for the rewards of men or their applause but for the internal satisfaction of having served and for the expectation that the One who gave them life will reward them. My prayer for you today is that you will double up your service and go the extra mile, bringing dignity to everything you do.
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