The true test of greatness is not how much we can use others but how much we can serve others!

The real man of God is a diligent servant who loves to serve. Jesus said in Matthew 20: 26-27, “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.”

True greatness is revealed in faithful servanthood. The world’s idea of greatness is revealed in exercising authority and in the ability to lord it over others. It is seen in how many people they can use for their own ends. Oh how we would all love to be able to snap our fingers and have a servant rush to our aid. But God sees true greatness from a different perspective. It is not how much we can use others but how much we can serve others! This attitude of generous serving, even to the point of laying down our lives for others, is the work of true greatness.

Jesus Christ Himself revealed this attitude in Matthew 20:28, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Our Lord Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, came to serve his fellow man. He worked hard at serving and was often wearied by the amount of work he did. (John 4:6)

The true test of greatness as far as heaven is concerned is: how well did we serve? And the reward will be, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21) We cannot generously serve people and use them at the same time. True serving is giving. Using people for our selfish ends is taking and abusing.

Psalm 18 and 36 are titled, “A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord.” What a beautiful title for one of Israel’s greatest kings. David is called “the servant of the Lord” over 50 times. In Psalm 116:16 David testifies, “O Lord, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds.” The NIV translates it, “You have freed me from my chains.” It is interesting that “freedom from chains” is mentioned in the same context as servanthood.

The question that comes to me is this: if we are not generous and diligent servants of the Lord, what are the chains that are binding us? Selfish use of others is a chain that binds. It is a lust that can never be satisfied.

Laziness is another chain that binds. The problem is that most people who are lazy do not know it. They have never done a hard day’s work and so they have no standard by which to measure their work ethic. In John 9:4 Jesus said, “I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” If it was good enough for our Lord Jesus Christ to have this attitude about work and serving others, how can we be otherwise?

Using others and always crying for help when we are able to help ourselves, as well as others, is a sure indication that we need to see Calvary afresh. The cross of Christ has little impact on our lives unless we embrace it. It is the only way of death to self.

Get ready for the next episode.

COLIN CAMPBELL

You are welcome to forward this message to others, or if you know of other men who would like to receive these messages regularly, inform them that they can receive them by filling in the requested information in the "Free Devotional" box to the right.

Colin does not have time to dialogue on the computer, but is open to take phone calls. Phone: 615 948 5958