Not so with you

Not so with you.  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.     Mark 10: 43-44

Unfortunately, alone, this verse can be misconstrued and lead to a huge misunderstanding of one of Jesus' primary principles of service.  So, let's set the stage here.  James and John have just asked Jesus if they could have a huge position of authority with him.  They asked if they could sit at his right and left hand, meaning, they want power.  It may seem like a unique request, but in those times Lordships, and the power that comes with them, were passed along to the next generation "in line" to receive them.  James and John were merely asking for what they believed they might have a "right" to.  And here is where Jesus says, "Not so with you."

In the new life that Jesus delivers us to, there are not "rights" to power.  He tells us plainly here that if anyone of us wants to become significant, to be a leader of men and women, to have an impact on communities large and small, then we must learn how to serve.  Not just a few, but all.  We must be willing to serve our brothers and sisters without judgement and condemnation. 

A servant's heart is filled with unconditional love.  This is a very challenging principle to uphold.  If you don't think so, look around at the leadership we have in our country and ask yourself, "is he/she leading with a heart filled with unconditional love for all the people?"  or are they serving themselves, fulfilling their selfish desire for power.  Our leaders need a little more servant in their hearts for the good of our people, don't you think?