1 Samuel 8:1-22; Acts 6:15 - 7:16; Luke 22:24-30

SCRIPTURE

Luke 22:24 — Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

To be number one in a class of two, did not give me a “big head”. Even receiving the “valedictorian” award at eighth grade graduation, didn’t mean a whole lot. If I needed humbling, the transition from country school to the “big” high school where I was one for forty-one students, and from high school to college where I was one of several hundred students, pretty well did the job. It was in these transitions that I also discovered the high price a person has to pay for success and achievement. It’s nice to have titles. Right now I have a few I’d like to shed, because each one involves carrying a different “cross” and requires time and energy. It is not all glory and roses without thorns. James and John, the “sons of thunder”, had been competing with each other most of their lives. When  they became members of Jesus band of twelve, their competitive natures kicked in. They needed to feel important. They wanted to be president and vice president of the church, with Jesus as the CEO. Jesus’ words must have pulled the rug out from under their plans for glory. To be the greatest of all meant to be the servant of all, not an ivory tower office in a skyscraper. As a member of the body of Christ, are you a willing servant of Christ, or are you trying to be His CEO without His cross?

We need a servant's attitude to be like Jesus.

PRAYER

Help me to carry the cross, dear Lord, being a servant to all that I meet. Use me to care for others, not in a superficial way, but in a truly loving way as you loved others. When my head gets too big, remind me of who really is in charge of my life and the universe you created. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.