“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matt. 23:11)
It seems somewhat oxymoronic, to serve in the greatest degree so that you can be the greatest amongst others.
Since we are dead in Christ and our life is not lived for any selfish vainglory, but for the glory of God, then the verse would only stand as truth if we were not seeking to be the greatest, being the most honorable in the eyes of others would never even enter into our thoughts as we served. The reward of being set in the highest place of honor is not something we are to seek.
“But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.” (Luke 14:10)
And the man of God who serves will tell you every time that he has no desire for any accolades to be placed upon him, that he is not worthy of them, he understands fully what John meant.
“He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.” (John 1:27)
And the Lord said of him, “For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28)
Yet we are told if we want to be the greatest.
There is a humility in this that I am not sure the human mind can fully comprehend, for desiring that position almost seems prideful, it seems as if it is something we should not attempt to achieve to, but what the world says we should strive for. To climb the corporate ladder, to be the strongest, the fastest, the smartest, the greatest amongst our peers.
Can one strive to be the greatest in complete abject humility, without one single thought of pride?
“And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:” (Acts 19:11)
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil. 4:13)
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
The humble servant of the Living God can find no place within himself for pride, but he can find much that will reveal to himself his unworthiness, for he realizes that the works being performed are being done through him, not by him. He has submitted his will to the will of the Almighty and stopped looking for any reward whatsoever, from man or from God. Only the man of God can understand these truths.
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Stronger than his love for the One he serves is the faith in whom he serves.
Orders are received and then obeyed not only because of the truth of 1st John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.” but because of faith in the promises given. He serves the Most High because He is the Most High.
Lucifer forgot this truth, Adam forgot it, every person who serves for the sake of being the greatest has forgotten it.
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (Heb. 4:13)
No one can love their enemy without the knowledge of this truth, no one can become a humble and willing servant with no desire to be the greatest solely based on love, faith must be the foundation of our service, of the entirety of our lives.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)
“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” (Gen. 15:1)
All thoughts of vainglory, all thoughts of the rewards of this world, all thoughts of being the greatest must be put aside, we serve for the glory of God, and it is Him alone that gives out the eternal rewards.
And even those my friends do not enter into our minds as the reason that we serve.
The life focused on the Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God will be the greatest sacrifice that we can offer to the Most High, and it is done not in an attempt to achieve any greatness, either here or in heaven, it is lived solely because God is who He is.
Humility in service to Him cannot arrive in your life until you realize this truth.
