How should we respond when tempted to seek positions of honor in church? Setting the Scene “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.” — Mark 10:37 What the Request Reveals • A desire for status and visibility rather than simple closeness to Christ • An assumption that honor in God’s kingdom functions like honor in earthly systems • A momentary forgetfulness of Jesus’ repeated predictions of His suffering (Mark 10:33-34) Jesus’ Immediate Correction (Mark 10:38-45) • “Can you drink the cup I drink?” — exposing the cost of glory • Positions are the Father’s to assign, not ours to pursue • “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Key Principles for Our Own Hearts 1. Honor in Christ’s kingdom is inseparable from sacrifice. 2. Greatness is measured by service, not title. 3. God alone assigns roles; we receive, not grasp. 4. Ambition for status competes with affection for Christ. Supporting Scriptures • Luke 14:7-11 — “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled.” • Philippians 2:5-8 — Christ “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” • Romans 12:3 — “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” • 1 Peter 5:5-6 — “Clothe yourselves with humility… that He may exalt you in due time.” • 1 Corinthians 12:18 & 24 — God arranges the body, giving “greater honor to the parts that lacked it.” A Tested Response When Tempted by Honor • Confess pride the moment it surfaces. • Re-center on the cross: remember the “cup” Christ drank. • Seek hidden service—tasks that bring no spotlight. • Celebrate the successes and callings of others. • Trust God’s timing; He “exalts in due time.” Practical Habits to Cultivate Humility • Begin each ministry opportunity asking, “How can I make Christ famous, not myself?” • Regularly study passages on servanthood (Mark 10, John 13). • Mentor or serve someone who cannot return the favor. • Thank unseen volunteers publicly; thank God privately. • Keep a journal of ways God has used weakness rather than position to bless others. Closing Encouragement When the lure of honor tugs at the heart, fix your eyes on the One who chose a basin and towel over throne and scepter. Walk His path of quiet service, and let the Father determine the seats of glory. |
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