What steps can we take to serve others selflessly, as Jesus taught? Setting the Scene “But they were silent, for on the way they had argued about which of them was the greatest.” (Mark 9:34) The disciples’ silence exposes a universal struggle: pride. Jesus answers in the very next verse, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) From this moment we discover a path for serving others selflessly. Step 1: Recognize and Reject Pride • Pride blinds us to others’ needs. • Admit when our thoughts sound like the disciples’ competition. • Confess it quickly; “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) Step 2: Embrace the Last Place • Jesus turns the world’s ranking system upside down: last is first. • Decide each day to take the humble role—at home, work, church. • Remember Philippians 2:3–4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” Step 3: Adopt Jesus’ Motivation • “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) • Let His sacrificial love fuel every act of service. • Study the cross regularly; it keeps motives pure. Step 4: Serve in Concrete, Everyday Ways Listening • Give full attention without planning your reply. • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” (James 1:19) Manual Help • Cook a meal, fix something broken, watch children. • Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Generous Giving • Share finances and possessions freely. • 1 John 3:17: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” Encouraging Words • Speak life, hope, and Scripture over someone. • Proverbs 16:24: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Forgiving Quickly • Release offenses before bitterness grows. • Colossians 3:13: “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also you must forgive.” Step 5: Depend on the Spirit’s Power • Selfless service is fruit, not self-effort. • Ask the Spirit to produce “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23) • Regular time in the Word and prayer keeps the heart aligned. Step 6: Celebrate Hidden Faithfulness • Much service is unseen; God notices every cup of cold water. (Matthew 10:42) • Resist the urge for public applause; seek the Father’s reward. • “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) Living It Out Mark 9:34 challenges our natural craving for greatness. By recognizing pride, choosing the last place, and acting in Spirit-empowered, practical love, we follow the One who “came not to be served, but to serve.” Selfless service becomes a daily, joyful reflection of Jesus Himself. |
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