JULY 18, 2013
Creating
Your Life
Read: Mark
10:35-45
Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. —Mark 10:44
The advice
that I read in a self-help book sounded good: Do only what you’re great at
because that’s when you’ll feel most fulfilled. The author was trying to help
readers create
the kind of life they wanted. I don’t know about you, but if I
did only what I was great at,
I wouldn’t accomplish much!
In Mark
10, we read about two disciples, James and John, who had some plans for the
kind
of life they wanted for themselves someday. They asked to be at Jesus’
right and left hand in
His kingdom (v.37). The other 10 disciples were “greatly
displeased” with them for
asking (v.41). (Possibly because that was the kind of
position they wanted for themselves!)
But Jesus
used the opportunity to teach His followers about another kind of life—one of
serving others. He said, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be
your servant.
And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all”
(vv.43-44). It appears that service
for others is God’s design for us.
Even
Jesus, the Son of God, “did not come to be served, but to serve” (v.45). As we
look at
Christ’s example and depend on the Holy Spirit’s help, we too can be
servants and will create
a fulfilling life.
I
admit, Lord, that my eyes do get focused on
myself. But I really do want to live from a
heart of love for You. Teach me to be a servant
and to look for my fulfillment in You.
Great
occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
