If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all. – Mark 9:35
There’s a lot of talk these days about who is the “greatest of all time”–the GOAT–especially in sports. The world would say that you are the “GOAT” if you are the best ever at whatever it is you do. But to be great in God’s eyes is a whole different ball game (pun intended). Humility and loving service to others that points away from ourselves is what constitutes eternal greatness.
Jesus can be our model in this. There’s no contest in who is the greatest when it comes to humility and service to others. Jesus is the GOAT! (Oh yeah, I said it!) Throughout the Gospels, He showed us how we can imitate his greatness through lowliness. One excellent example is how Jesus washed the feet of the apostles at the Last Supper (John 13:5). After He washed each apostle’s feet (even Judas who would betray him), He directed them to go and do likewise: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:14-15).
This week, consider reflecting on how to be the greatest by being the lowliest. You could start by memorizing this verse to keep the idea fresh in your mind: “For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Ask God in prayer to give you a few small, specific ways for you to replace your need to be served with humble service to others. Seek to imitate Christ, the most humble, lowly servant. Something I am personally going to do is try to call to mind who I am serving when I start a task at home or work. Am I serving my husband, my child, a fellow parishioner, a coworker, or someone in my community who needs help?
Come Holy Spirit, bless me with Your gifts of humility and fortitude that I need to serve others with love. I’m sorry for the times when I have been self-centered about my needs and placed them above others. Help me humbly consider others more important than myself (Philippians 2:3). Keep my eyes focused on how I can serve others with a grateful heart.