January 21

It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— — Matt 20:26-27 BSB

Some people, when given a small measure of “position” or authority, seem to assume that all favors and services shown to them are their due, because of their perceived importance. They carry themselves with an air of dignity and demand special attention, becoming offended if they do not receive the honor they believe they deserve. They feel that their elevated status entitles them to significant recognition, and they are upset if they do not get it.

However, according to our Lord’s teaching, true greatness is found in service. The proud, self-seeking attitude described above is not a mark of true greatness in Christ’s eyes—it is actually a mark of smallness. All forms of self-seeking are signs of littleness. The law of service is drawn from the heart of God Himself; nothing else is truly great.