Example a servant - No competitions

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“But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.  And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:34, 35

Jesus being the Son of God, Lord and King never bragged about it, on the other hand, He often asked not to say His deeds; as many would not believe and it would disturb His mission. He lived in this world in a surprisingly way. Everyone expected a Messiah in robes of a king, a crown of diamond, and living in a palace with many servants. Unlike all this, He was simple, He walked among the disadvantaged, and was not concerned to receive glory or have position. He came to save, not to reign, although He reigns in the hearts of those who love Him.

Unfortunately in the work of God we have seen servants disoriented, unfocused, competing for a title, a position, a status. Completely diverted from the purpose for which they were called. They live frustrated waiting for an “opportunity”, recognition, and applause. They do the work of God sad, without motivation because their eyes are on earthly things and not the eternal, their eyes are on themselves and not the souls.

Disputes become the incentive day to day. The struggle to conquer higher position and greater responsibility begin to overshadow the vision of the servant of God and then begins her destruction. When she is put in a place she likes, a place that in her eyes is good and she deserves to be there, she gives her best. If she goes to a place that does not exceed her expectations, she works discouraged, doesn’t give her best, and “pushes with the belly” showing that she doesn’t serve God but herself.

Many think that their success depends on the friendship they have with people who can “favor them.” They take their faith in God to place in these people. So they do everything to please them, serve them, and not disappoint them, so they don’t lose the chance to receive some benefit. Our example of servant did not like competitions. When he was aware of this kind of attitude among the disciples, He’d say that whoever was worried about being the biggest or the first will be the servant of all.

Some have not yet achieved this spiritual level and therefore live outside of God's purposes. Instead of servants, they have been lords; their concern is not to serve but to show off. You will never get the Spiritual things through carnal means. And if you ever get something that way you know that it did not come from God and therefore you’ll lose it; simply because everyone knows her intentions and motivations.

Tânia Rubim

Translated by Márcia Sebastião