True Greatness – Position or Performance

True Greatness – Position or Performance

When I read Matthew 20:20-28, it occurred to me that, as James and John didn’t know what they were getting themselves into, we don’t know what the future holds for us either. Their mother had asked Jesus for them to sit on His right and left when He became the ruler. As any loving mother, she meant well, but she didn’t fully understand what Jesus is about.

Upon hearing the request, Jesus asked James and John if they would be able to “drink the cup” that He had to drink. In other words, would they be able to handle the responsibilities of the position they were seeking. They said, “yes”, not knowing that that would entail.

It occurred to me that when I married my wife, we had no clue what the future would hold for us. We believed it would be good, fulfilling, rewarding, meaningful, etc. We never envisioned the challenges that we have gone through this far and we have no clue on what is ahead. We have plans, but our original plans have long been modified with newer circumstances as life unfolded. Still, we made the choice to be husband and wife and we are making it work.

In similar manner, you may plan, but God directs your steps. What you propose today may be changed by what others do around you. You didn’t plan to have that car accident, contract cancer, get into a verbal altercation with that other person, commit that ungodly act, etc. but it happened. Now you must take your current circumstances and see what you can do to honor God with your life.

In the later part of the passage from Matthew, Jesus talks to the Apostles about which one is truly the greatest. The greatest person is not the one who holds the title or position of leadership, but the one who is most involved in serving others. We appreciate people who have done something significant for us much more than the people who we have to do something for them. WIIFM – What’s In It For Me needs to be replace with HMIHY – How May I Help You.

If you truly love God, you will love others as God loves them. In so doing, you will use your talents and abilities to help other people in the areas where you are skilled. Because of who Jesus is in you, you will want to do your best as an act of worship to God and a testimony to what Jesus can do in your life.

Don’t concern yourself with position, promotion or proclamation of title. It is far better to be known as one who cares about others and does his best to assist them with his talents than to have a position of prominence. Prominence can become a self-glory that neglects others. Be a Servant for Jesus.

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