Serve Faithfully Where You Are

In the gospel of Mark Jesus tells how two of His disciples approached Him to ask for special treatment in His kingdom. Specifically, James and John requested that one would sit on His left and the other on His right in His glory.

Jesus responded by telling them that they really didn’t understand what they were asking for, and that to sit on His right or left was not His to give, but it was for those for whom it was prepared.

Upon hearing this, the other disciples were indignant with James and John, and Jesus used the occasion to talk about true greatness.

The rulers of this world, He explained, seek to lord it over others. But those who wish to be great in His kingdom live to serve. They see themselves as slaves to all.

The discussion concluded with Jesus pointing to Himself, stating that even He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mk.10:45).

The message Jesus gives here is just right for our covetous, discontent age.

The world assumes that real greatness belongs to those who have power and authority over others. But Jesus turns this assumption upside down, as He teaches that the real great ones are those who serve faithfully in the place that God has put them.

This has application for everyone alive.

Everyone of us is in a particular place with its own set of circumstances. Some of us are in positions that have visibility and influence, while most of us are in positions of relative obscurity. But no matter what position we are in, God’s call upon our lives is the same.

Be faithful where He has you. Be obedient to Him where you are.