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Do good…expecting nothing in return. Luke 6:35
D.L. MOODY
Love never looks to see what it is going to get in return. I have generally found that those workers who are looking to see how much they are going to get from the Lord are never satisfied. But love does its work and makes no bargain.
ERWIN LUTZER
All of us have aspired to greatness. We would like to be remembered for doing something significant. That desire for significance is actually God-given because God put eternity in our hearts. In our fallenness, we look for significance in all the wrong places—and that’s a problem.
Mark records, “James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’” “And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory’” (Mark 10:35, 37).
It’s very interesting to notice that, when the other ten disciples heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. Jesus called His disciples to Him and reminded them that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is measured by service. To be first in God’s kingdom is to be last. “For even 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).
Let’s admit that, like James and John, we find it difficult to rejoice over those who seemingly have been blessed more than we have. From my heart to yours, let us rejoice for any part we have been given in the vineyard of the Lord, however small it might be; and if others receive greater rewards, let us rejoice as if their reward is our own. Let us serve with joy, not for what we shall receive in return but for the privilege of serving the One we love.
PRAYER
Father, grant me opportunities to serve others in humility and love, and to rejoice for victories achieved by others.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How often do you put yourself in a position where you are able to serve others?Why do you think those who serve will be first in the kingdom of heaven?