“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” That quote from author Francis Chan points out the false view we can possess as we consider what success is all about. Is it found in what we own, what we’ve accomplished, or in our status? Is that really how we know that we’re winning in life? What if we’re playing the wrong game?
Jesus had just told a parable about vineyard workers that ended with the punch line, “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last” (Matthew 20:16). He had taken the disciples aside and told them He was going to Jerusalem to be mocked, flogged, and crucified (Matthew 20:17-19). But, sadly, all James and John could think about was themselves. And not only did they selfishly pursue prominence, their mother joined in as well. She “knelt respectfully” before Jesus and asked if her sons could sit on either side of Him in the kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21). The other disciples “were indignant” when they heard her request (Matthew 20:24). How dare James and John aim for the highest seats! Who do they think they are?
Jesus heard their murmurs and called the disciples together. “The rulers in this world lord it over their people,” He said. “Officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different” (Matthew 20:25-26). Jesus came to serve rather than to be served, so the greatest in the kingdom will also humbly serve others (Matthew 20:26-28).
The world proposes two entirely different ways to keep score. One of them leads to pride and selfishness. The other leads to humility and God-centeredness. Let’s follow Jesus’ example of humble service!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 28:8-15
More:
Read Philippians 2:3-11 to learn why the way up is down.
Next:
Where do you feel you’re not getting as much credit as you deserve? How can you reframe the problem by thinking about whom you can serve?
Gary Shultz on September 29, 2015 at 6:41 am
My answer to the “next” questions would be simple, but very different. It is answered in a life well lived, by a saint who has been through the waters and glows with God’s satisfaction. Life has become so sweet because of that relationship to their Lord that it spills out everywhere. They know God’s blessings happen now and will be expanded much larger than we ever deserved. They know the reality of what we can not yet totally see. They have followed Jesus. Thanks
Mike Wittmer on September 29, 2015 at 8:39 am
It really is that simple, isn’t it? Then why is it so hard for us to stop competing with others and find our rest in Jesus? Thank you, Father, for forgiving my foolish ways.
Adriel L. on September 29, 2015 at 8:22 am
Thanks for sharing, Mike. I really like the quote from Francis Chan. It is only too easy to be lured back into valuing the things that ultimately don’t really matter – money, results, what others think of you etc. Like the song goes, “Christ is my reward, and all of my devotion… Christ is enough for me!”. I hope this to be true of me everyday.
Mike Wittmer on September 29, 2015 at 8:41 am
Good point, Adriel. It does matter what another thinks of me–and that person is Jesus!
Adriel L. on September 29, 2015 at 11:43 pm
And I guess it does matter what people think of us, if it points them to Jesus!
Tom Felten on September 29, 2015 at 9:03 am
This article truly resonates, Mike. In the past 12 hours I’ve had two separate conversations with young men who have been seeking to be humble leaders. What we discussed is how vital it is to truly listen to others and not demand our own way. This may seem counterintuitive to what some people thing a leader should do, but it captures the way Jesus led and the way He wants us to lead!
Mike Wittmer on September 29, 2015 at 2:48 pm
We need faith to believe that Jesus’ way is right side up in our upside down world.
Roxanne Robbins on September 29, 2015 at 2:21 pm
It doesn’t seem Matthew 20:25-26 contains a third option: half humble leadership / half “lording” authority over people to demand their submission. Rather than vacillating between the two leadership styles, Jesus modeled humility and servant leadership on a consistent basis. What an example for us to strive, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to emulate in whatever leadership role we might have as parents, managers, or presidents.
Winn Collier on October 3, 2015 at 10:30 am
I like this, Roxanne- it’s right, we don’t really get to pick and choose when we want to follow Jesus’ way and when we don’t, do we?
Seeking_777 on September 29, 2015 at 2:33 pm
This post is a reminder but humility doesn’t always come easy. In order to embrace a life of humility we must first go to God and ask him to cleanse us. Just as the Holy Spirit cleansed the disciples we must also receive the same cleansing. Let us remember to ask as scripture says ask and you shall receive.
Mike Wittmer on September 29, 2015 at 2:47 pm
You are so right, Seeking. None of us are able to do what we know we must. We need God to empower us or it will never happen.
Winn Collier on October 3, 2015 at 10:31 am
I appreciate how you connect Humility with God-Centeredness. These two do go hand-in-hand.