How can we avoid seeking personal glory in our service to Christ? An Ambitious Request: Mark 10:37 in Focus “They answered, ‘Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.’” (Mark 10:37) James and John wanted the best seats in Christ’s coming kingdom. Their words expose a subtle desire that can surface in any servant of Jesus—craving personal prestige even while doing spiritual work. Why Personal Glory Sneaks In • Our culture prizes visibility and applause; it feels natural to import that mindset into ministry. • Pride whispers that recognition proves our value (cf. James 4:6). • We forget that every spiritual gift and opportunity is a trust, not a trophy (1 Corinthians 4:7). Christ’s Response: The Path of the Cross, Not the Spotlight In the very next verses (Mark 10:38-45) Jesus points His disciples away from status and toward sacrificial service: • “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (v. 43). • “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” (v. 45). Greatness in Christ’s eyes flows from humble, costly love—never from human applause. Practical Steps to Guard the Heart 1. Remember the Audience of One • “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) • Private obedience—serving when no one sees—trains the soul to seek God’s smile first. 2. Cultivate Secret Giving and Serving • “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:3-4) • Regular, intentional anonymity keeps motives pure. 3. Adopt Christ’s Mindset • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) • Meditate on Philippians 2:5-8—Jesus’ own descent from heaven’s throne to the cross dismantles any craving for prominence. 4. Celebrate Others’ Success • “Love…does not envy.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) • Thank God aloud for another believer’s fruitfulness; it starves envy and self-glory at the root. 5. Invite Accountability • “Carry one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2) • Ask a trusted friend to ask the hard question: “Why are you doing this?” 6. Aim for God’s Glory Alone • “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) • Before any service, silently pray: “Father, magnify Your name, not mine.” A Promise for the Humble “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) God sees every hidden act of love and will reward far better than human applause ever could. Conclusion: Serving From Gratitude, Not for Glory Personal glory fades; Christ’s glory endures. As we shift our focus from seats of honor to acts of humble kindness, we follow the Savior who stooped to wash feet and stretch wide His arms on a cross. Serve quietly, love deeply, and let Jesus get all the credit. |
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