Whoever Wants To Be First - The Warrior's Journey®
Devotionals

Whoever Wants To Be First

Author: Chaplain, COL Scott McChrystal, USA (Ret.)

Virginia Guard chaplain support teams support military personnel in Louisianna. Photo by Coast Guard is licensed under CC By 2.0

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. (Mark 10:43,44)

Just look around. Is there any doubt that we live in a culture that says, “Me first”? Yes, this can even be true of the military when it comes to matters like promotions and assignments. We’ve all seen self-serving people.

Our Heavenly Commander in Chief has shared some definite guidance about service. Jesus spoke these words in answer to a request from two of His disciples, James and John. They boldly asked if they could sit on Jesus’ right and left when Jesus comes into His full glory. Jesus turned the tables on them, announcing that greatness in His kingdom would come from service, not status. Being first would only come from one’s willingness to be the servant of all.

If you are a leader, Jesus’ words mean this: The more people you lead, the more you serve. With higher rank come greater responsibilities and fewer rights. Leaders surrender privileges to serve those under their care. Being a leader is no easy thing. It was never meant to be easy.


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