Try writing a simple sentence with your opposite hand.
It's not comfortable.
It's awkward.
It doesn't even feel natural at times and you want to switch hands so badly. You know you can probably do it faster and easier with your other hand.
As Christians, we tend to be opposite from the world in many ways and being different can be uncomfortable and can make life difficult.
So what does it mean to achieve greatness? Does being served by others mean you have achieved greatness?
According to Luke 22:27 God's perspective of greatness is the opposite of the world's perspective. It is the one who serves that is the one who has achieved greatness.
"For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves."
Jesus showed humility and served others while on earth even through his final moments with the disciples. He prepared them for his death and shared the passover meal with them.
Luke 22:19-23
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing."
What did the bread represent? His body
What did Jesus say the cup represented? His blood
Why do you think Jesus did what he did for us?
Do you remember what our lesson was about last week? Love.
John 15:12-13
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
We should be lead to serve one another by love and have sacrificing attitudes. Jesus' death was more than just an example of love, it was the ultimate example of selflessness.
Think about these things the next time you go out to eat and wanna catch an attitude with a waitress that is doing her job by serving you or when you are at the check out line at Wal Mart. Would you be able to get your meal or your grocery without that person who is helping you? A follower of Christ must reject the world's perspective of greatness and live by God's values.
We can adopt these "kingdom perspectives" into our lives too. Have you ever stood by a friend during a difficult time, like a tough break up or a rough transition at school, a divorce or a personal struggle? Where you rewarded for being a faithful friend?
The disciples stood by Jesus through many trials.
Luke 22:28-30
"Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
What was his promise to the disciples for their faithfulness? (a role of authority with Him in heaven)
What are some ways you can anonymously serve others this week?
Your challenge this week is to record one thing you have done each day to serve someone.
"The cost of true greatness is humble, selfless, sacrificial service. The Christian who desires to be great and first in the kingdom is the one who is willing to serve in the hard place, the uncomfortable place, the lonely place, the demanding place, the place where he is not appreciated and may even be persecuted. Knowing that time is short and eternity is long, he is willing to spend and be spent." - John MacArthur.
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