A Messianic View of the Ministry

Jesus called the apostles and said, "You know that the acknowledged rulers of nations have absolute power over people and their officials have absolute authority over people. But that's not the way it's going to be among you. Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be most important among you will be a slave for everyone.
(Mar 10:42-44)

I used to think this passage was Christ instructing us on how to become a great Christian or a great minister, but as I read it today, I saw it as a warning. It doesn’t say that if we become a servant to others we will become great, but it says that our ambition will make us a slave to others.

The more personal ambition I have or the more I crave personal glory or personal gratitude or personal recognition as a minister the more I subject myself to the whims of the people. This approach ensures that I jump when anyone calls. I’ll run to the hospital. I’ll run to pray with someone. I’ll end up having my time dictated by others because I want to be loved and admired by them.

When I place the kingdom ahead of myself and my own feelings or ambitions, I no longer subject myself to the whims of the people, but I subject myself simply to the will of the Lord. I redirect praise and credit. I encourage and empower others to ministry, and they get the glory for serving others. I decrease, and the Lord increases.