Mathew 20:27 “Anyone who desires to be first among you, let him be your slave”
This verse has been going through my heart over and over throughout the past couple of weeks. Who wouldn’t want to be first in coming to see Jesus? There is something deep within me that wants to sit at the feet of my King- to come into the presence of God and not be one of the last ones in line.
The funny thing is, in the world’s eyes, you have to establish power, control, wealth and fame to become first. Look at Hollywood stars coming down the red carpet, reality TV shows, the next winner on American Idol, etc. The world says that YOU make your destiny and control everything that goes on around you.
I believe that is why the cross of Jesus Christ is so offensive. The cross symbolizes death and dieing to your own rights to follow Christ. That means that you choose to lay everything down and follow the plan the Lord has for your life.
The Bible also is so counter- cultural because it says if you want to be first you have to be a slave to others. WHAT! I have to be a slave to others. I am not a slave to others! I take care of myself- that is what the world would say. A follower of Christ would see that they really have no rights. No right to complain, to be bitter, to hold a grudge or to be waited on hand and foot. We are called to serve others.
I just read a devotional that said, for one day try to focus on every other persons needs around you aside from your own. When a thought comes into your mind about your needs, turn it around and help someone else.
Well that has become my most recent reality. Apart from learning to serve my soon to be bride and put her needs above my own, I am currently in Gainesville, Georgia at a training camp for July Racers. I have been on the race twice, have visited 37 different countries and am soon going to be moving to Georgia. And the Lord decided to make Matthew 20:27 real in me. My job is to serve the July racers. My duties include, cleaning the port-a-potties, taking out the trash, cleaning the showers, doing the dishes, mopping the floors and various other janitorial needs. Isn’t Jesus just funny? I love Him.
I was walking around with trash bags hanging from my waist thinking, I am learning what it means to be a slave to all. Thinking of others before myself has to become a part of my lifestyle. And it’s good for me.
My challenge for you today is to take all focus off of yourself and focus on all the needs around you.
God Bless you.
