"And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”" (Mark 10:36-38, NKJV)
PONDER THIS!
This infamous request by the two brothers, James and John, reveals to us that these two disciples did not yet understand the teachings, life and ministry of Jesus. Nor did they understand what it meant to be a disciple of Jesus. You see, the request made by them was to sit in seats of honor, prestige and authority. Jesus’ entire life and ministry was a demonstration of love and servitude. Yet these two brothers sought to sit in seats to be served.
1. Be honest. Are you one who covets position, prestige and honor?
2. Do you see, even within the body of Christ, those who seem to seek celebrity status rather than the position of a servant?
3. Do you know and understand that the entire call to follow Jesus is a call to forget about self, position, titles, possession and reputation, to minister to the needs of others?
4. Do you understand that service to others is one of the greatest forms of worship you can give to God?
It is wonderful to be admired for doing the right thing or things. Every one of us, at times, need and appreciate being appreciated and applauded for the work we do and for just being who we are. Yet, we must remember, we do what we do to serve, not be served. We labor, not for the applause, but to be a blessing to someone else. We know, as disciples of Christ, we are called to bless and be a blessing We are called to be SERVANTS, NOT CELEBRITIES!