“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mk9.35
If Christ tells His disciples how they can be first, is He commending the desire to be first? Well, certainly not in the way they were thinking. It is helpful to point out, that Jesus tells them this, after they had been childishly debating who would be the greatest. Like a tender mother, Christ is patiently reshaping our understanding of greatness or of what it means to lead others. True leaders are servant leaders. Great leaders understand that they hold the position of leadership in order to serve, not to be served. A leader lives for the success of others. They patiently guide, teach, support and encourage, not only with words but with actions. You will find a good leader, performing any task which contributes to the well being of those in their charge.
Once, Stonewall Jackson stood watch over his exhausted troops. His decision not to post watch, but to stand watch, came after he had lead them on a fifty mile march. Someone noticed that the General was walking through the camp, holding his hands over groups of sleeping men. It appeared to be strange behavior until he came and stood over some troops close to the one who recorded this story. The person realized that Jackson was praying over each group, asking God for his blessings and protection. Does God approve of a desire to be first? Certainly by this definition He does. 1/29/07 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
