To be great, you must serve!

"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. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 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 19:42-45 NKJV)

Serving others doesn't come naturally!

Human nature at its very core is to be self-centered. Just think about that statement for a moment! We don't like to think of ourselves as selfish, but we are! From the moment we awake each day, our lives are basically about taking care of ourselves, our bodies and our needs and appetites. In order to serve someone else you have to first deny yourself, then put other’s needs above your own. And, that's not easy to do! Children have to be taught to share, they usually don't want to. Even as adults, it's easy to be selfish and think only of yourself rather than others. Married couples often struggle with this and have to learn to serve each other’s needs. Learning to put others ahead of yourself, although difficult, brings much personal joy and satisfaction. And, it's very good for others, too!

Jesus set the example of servanthood

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 19:45 NKJV)